Ryan Seacrest reveals his huge Wheel of Fortune struggle as Pat Sajak’s replacement – and lifts the lid on what it’s really like to work with Vanna White

New Wheel of Fortune host Ryan Seacrest has revealed the challenge he has faced since taking over from game show legend Pat Sajak

New Wheel of Fortune host Ryan Seacrest has revealed a surprising challenge he has been facing since he replaced game show legend Pat Sajak.

Seacrest, 49, admitted that he is not particularly great when it comes to spelling, as he discussed taking over from the legendary host, 77, on Monday’s Good Morning America.

‘Spelling, I am not the greatest at spelling,’ he said of his challenging new gig. ‘I rely on auto-correct quite a bit in real life.’

However, the new face of the popular show insisted that he has been having a blast with the show’s long serving cohost Vanna White, 67, just weeks after DailyMail.com reported that the pair were struggling to ‘jibe.’

‘It’s a dream, to be on this show, and work with Vanna, I am happy that you are on board with us,’ he said. ‘It’s the same Wheel of Fortune everyone loves, but it’s me standing there saying “Let’s play”, that’s the big difference.’

New Wheel of Fortune host Ryan Seacrest has revealed the challenge he has faced since taking over from game show legend Pat Sajak

Despite White previously having fears about how well the pair would gel together on the job, Seacrest claimed they have already developed a few backstage rituals together.

‘We check each other’s teeth, we check the lipstick, check for food,’ he said.

‘We snack on the nuts between the takes and the show, so we are checking for the almond skins. That’s a good friend.’

White has been on hand to share her wealth of knowledge and advice to Seacrest, having turned the tiles for more than four decades.

She stated: ‘I said, “just be yourself”. That’s the best advice I can give you and he has been himself.’

As for whether Seacrest has been given any advice from former host Sajak, he admitted: ‘He said you will enjoy people’s reactions, on the show, they are excited they got the call to be a contestant on the show, it means so much.

‘We have watched it for years and it’s more than a show but part of our culture.’

Seacrest’s comment comes amid reports Sajak, who announced his retirement from hosting Wheel of Fortune after four decades back in June 2023, is allegedly giving him ‘the cold shoulder.’

In a Good Morning America interview with cohost Vanna White, 67, Seacrest, 49, admitted that he is not particularly great when it comes to spelling

In a Good Morning America interview with cohost Vanna White, 67, Seacrest, 49, admitted that he is not particularly great when it comes to spelling

Sajak, 77, who retired from hosting Wheel of Fortune after four decades in June 2023, has allegedly been giving his replacement 'the cold shoulder'

Sajak, 77, who retired from hosting Wheel of Fortune after four decades in June 2023, has allegedly been giving his replacement ‘the cold shoulder’

Although it initially seemed he was happy to hand over the reins to Seacrest, sources have since claimed that the Chicago native was actually pushed out by the network.

Following his alleged ‘forced’ departure, the television personality is said to be ‘resentful of the way he was treated and then kicked off the show’ and has had no interest in giving Seacrest any advice or guidance, according to the Mirror.

However, Sajak remains close to White, with the pair spotted getting together for a casual lunch at California Pizza Kitchen in Encino, Los Angeles, on September 3.

It marked the first time the pair had been photographed together outside of work following Sajak’s retirement.

During the chat on GMA, White was asked why she has chosen to continue working on the game show for over 40 years.

The new face of the popular show insisted that he has been having a blast while working on the program with the show's long serving cohost White

The new face of the popular show insisted that he has been having a blast while working on the program with the show’s long serving cohost White

Wheel of Fortune with Seacrest at the helm airs weeknights starting on September 9

Wheel of Fortune with Seacrest at the helm airs weeknights starting on September 9

‘It’s such a happy show, and it’s fun too,’ she replied. ‘It never gets old. There’s always new puzzles, I have a new dress, you never know what’s going to be said.

‘I look at these people who come on and we change their lives and it’s just amazing. I love it.’

Ryan also added: ‘It’s just fun, every night, three new contestants are winning cash and prizes, escape from the world and join us for action.’

Sources recently told DailyMail.com that White could call it quits before her contract is up.

The insider claimed that White was finding it so difficult to ‘jibe’ with the American Idol host that she has considered exiting the show before her two year contract ends in 2026.

More than 11 million viewers tuned in to Sajak’s final episode in June, the show’s largest audience in four years.

Wheel of Fortune airs weeknights starting on September 9

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