Wheel Of Fortune Names New Host Following Pat Sajak’s Retirement
On June 12, Pat Sajak, the longtime host of Wheel of Fortune, announced his retirement from the show. “It’s been a wonderful ride…” he said in a statement.
Sajak plans to remain on the show through its 41st season, which starts in September.
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After Sajak’s retirement announcement, it was rumored that American Idol host Ryan Seacrest was in the running to fill his shoes. Those rumors turned out to be true, because Wheel of Fortune announced on Wednesday (June 27) that Seacrest is the new host.
RELATED: IS RYAN SEACREST REPLACING PAT SAJAK ON “WHEEL OF FORTUNE?”
“It’s official! Starting in 2024 @ryanseacrest will take the stage as the new host of Wheel of Fortune. We’re so excited – Welcome Ryan!” the show shared on social media.
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Is Vanna White Leaving Wheel Of Fortune Too?
Letter turner Vanna White has been a constant figure on Wheel of Fortune alongside Sajak for decades. She’s even taken over to host in his place when he couldn’t be on the show!
Naturally, with Sajak leaving, fans have wondered if White is retiring as well.
White’s fate has not yet been confirmed by Wheel of Fortune beyond the 41st season. But when Seacrest addressed being the new host, he seemingly confirmed White’s future on the show too.
Ryan Seacrest Releases Statement About Hosting Wheel Of Fortune & Mentions Vanna White
Seacrest released his own statement about joining the Wheel of Fortune family. In it, he wrote:
“I‘m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak. I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.”
Seacrest mentioned how he previously worked with Wheel of Fortune creator Merv Griffin. One of his first jobs was hosting a game show of Griffin’s called Click. Seacrest described the chance to host Wheel of Fortune as “a full circle moment” for him.
He concluded his statement by seeming to confirm White’s future on the show. Seacrest wrote, “I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Read Seacrest’s full statement below. We sure hope White remains with the show!