Ryan Seacrest is opening up about his upcoming role as host of Wheel of Fortune, after longtime host Pat Sajak announced he was stepping down after 41 seasons.
Ryan, 48, will be joining the show’s co-host Vanna White, 66, beginning in September 2024.
He will also serve as a consulting producer for the show.
Ryan gushed about Vanna: ‘Of course, being next to Vanna, she’s a legend. She’s an icon,’ per E! News.
Adding: ‘We spent a little shooting some promos for next season, and she’s just so down to earth. She’s exactly what you would expect.’
Ryan Seacrest is opening up about his upcoming role as host of Wheel of Fortune, after longtime host Pat Sajak announced he was stepping down after 41 seasons. Ryan, 48, will be joining the show’s co-host Vanna White beginning in September 2024
Ryan continued: ‘It’s just so exciting to think about being on that set. I’ve watched the show for so many decades. I’m a fan of the show, and the game is the star.’
On June 12, Pat, 77, announced he was leaving Wheel of Fortune after the 41st season of the show wrapped.
‘Well the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,’ Pat said.
‘It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all,’ he added.
Suzanne Prete, Sony Pictures Television’s executive vice president of game shows, revealed that Pat will serve as a consultant on the show for three years.
Pat became the host of Wheel of Fortune on December 28, 1981, after Chuck Woolery hosted from the show’s premiere in 1975 until he left over a salary dispute.
Vanna joined the show in 1982 after the original host Susan Stafford left to become a humanitarian worker.
Wheel of Fortune was created by Merv Griffin and is the longest-running syndicated game show in the US.
Pat Sajak and Vanna White pictured on Wheel of Fortune
On June 12, Pat, 77, announced he was leaving Wheel of Fortune after the 41st season of the show wrapped; Vanna and Pat pictured
After he was announced as the new host, Ryan took to his Instagram to say: ‘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.
‘Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition. Many people probably don’t know this but one of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called Click for Merv Griffin 25 years ago so this is truly a full circle moment for me and I’m grateful to Sony for the opportunity,’ he continued.
‘I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,’ Ryan added.
In October, Vanna spoke about Ryan joining the show, recalling a recent conversation with him.
‘He was just so kind. And he goes, “No one’s ever gonna replace Pat, I’m not trying to replace Pat. I’m just thrilled to be able to work with you and I’ll do whatever it takes. Please teach me whatever I need to know.” So that was really nice,’ Vanna said.
After he was announced as the new host, Ryan took to his Instagram to say: ‘I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak’
Ryan is set to host Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve this year, alongside Rita Ora, Jeannie Mai and Dayanara Torres
Vanna extended her contract with Wheel of Fortune for two years, Deadline reported in September.
The co-host’s new contact will run through the 2025-26 season.
Ryan is set to host Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve this year, alongside Rita Ora, Jeannie Mai and Dayanara Torres.
Rita will be in New York City’s Times Square with Ryan, while Jeannie will be in Hollywood and Dayanara in Puerto Rico.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024 airs live on December 31 on ABC at 8 pm EST.
Ryan will host Wheel of Fortune beginning September 2024 for season 42 of the show, with Vanna serving as co-host.
