Let’s face it, folks — stepping into the shoes of a legend is never easy. And that’s exactly the challenge Ryan Seacrest is up against as he takes over hosting duties on 'Wheel of Fortune.' New ratings figures have revealed a concerning dip in the show's popularity, and whispers from insiders suggest that Vanna White might just be waiting in the wings to step up herself if Ryan can't turn things around.
Under the Spotlight: Ryan's Uphill Battle
According to sources close to the show, Ryan is trying to put a positive spin on the situation, framing it as an opportunity for growth. “Ryan’s trying to sugarcoat this and say it’s good news, that the only way is up since Pat [Sajak’s] ratings are down,” a source exclusively told Closer. But let’s be real here — the network executives aren’t buying it. They’re worried this trend might not reverse itself just by bringing in a new host. That puts enormous pressure on Ryan from day one to deliver the kind of ratings that justify the massive salary they’re paying him. And let’s not forget, they also gave Vanna White a substantial raise. If the numbers don’t improve, Ryan will be the one shouldering the blame. No two ways about it.
Vanna's Strategic Position
It’s not just Ryan who’s feeling the heat. Vanna, it seems, is in a prime position to capitalize on any missteps Ryan might make. “He knows he’ll be the scapegoat, so it’s incredibly stressful for him right now,” the insider continued. “And Vanna? She can just sit back, spin the wheel, and wait for Ryan to stumble. Even if that’s not her intention, she’d be the next obvious choice to take over. Let’s face it — there’s no one the fans would rather see step into Ryan’s shoes than Vanna. She’d be a natural fit.”
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Passing the Torch
Pat Sajak, who retired at the end of 2023 at the age of 77, handed over the reins to Ryan, who is 49. In a heartfelt statement, Ryan expressed his gratitude: “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’s final episode aired on June 7, and the ratings slump between July 1 and July 21 was undeniable. 'Wheel of Fortune' even lost its coveted No. 2 spot to 'Family Feud,' according to Nielsen’s ratings. Meanwhile, rumors have surfaced suggesting that Ryan and Vanna, now 67, don’t share the same chemistry that Vanna had with Pat.
Vanna's Potential Departure
On June 16, The Daily Mail reported that Vanna was considering leaving the show before her contract expires. “Vanna is retiring from the show when her contract ends, but there’s a part of her that wants to walk away sooner. It’s just so difficult to do this without Pat,” a show insider revealed. “She just doesn’t click with Ryan the way she did with Pat, and honestly, no one really expected her to. There’s just no way that she possibly could.”
The source added, “Vanna feels that she’s put in her time. She devoted her entire life to this show and had an incredible run while making a fortune. She knows the show needs to move in a different direction and appeal to a younger audience. To achieve this, the show will likely need a younger female host, someone who can be to Ryan what she was to Pat.”
The new season of 'Wheel of Fortune' premieres on September 9, and all eyes will be on Ryan and Vanna as they navigate this uncertain chapter in the show's storied history.
