Vanna White Shares Her Thoughts on Ryan Seacrest’s New Role
Longtime Wheel of Fortune star Vanna White recently opened up about her initial concerns regarding the chemistry between herself and new host Ryan Seacrest following the departure of Pat Sajak. In an interview on CBS Sunday Morning, Vanna, who's been gracing our screens for decades, admitted that stepping into this new dynamic wasn't something she took lightly.
“I had no idea what to expect when I’m used to one person for so long,” said Vanna, now 67, reflecting on the transition. “I was very scared, but Ryan’s doing an amazing job. He’s brought a fresh energy to the show while still respecting the legacy that Pat built over all these years.”
A Journey Through Decades of Partnership
Vanna went on to explain that she first met Ryan about two decades ago, though their relationship has deepened significantly since he was announced as Pat’s replacement in June 2023. “We’ve done some traveling together for the show in the past couple of months, and we’ve really gotten to know each other better,” she said. “I think our chemistry is good, and I’m confident in where this partnership is heading.”
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For over four decades, Pat Sajak has been the face of Wheel of Fortune, creating a bond with Vanna that viewers have come to love. When Pat, now 77, revealed his decision to step away from the show, it marked the end of an era. “Well, the time has come,” Pat shared in a heartfelt statement. “I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.”
A New Chapter Begins
Just a month after Pat’s announcement, Sony Pictures Television revealed that American Idol host Ryan Seacrest would take over the iconic role in 2024. While Pat remained on the show until the June 7 episode, Ryan’s first episode aired on Monday, September 9. This change signaled a fresh chapter for the beloved game show.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Ryan expressed during his casting announcement. “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.”
Vanna’s Hesitations and the Rumor Mill
Despite her public support, Vanna admitted she was hesitant about working with Ryan more than one month after an insider exclusively told Closer that she wasn’t entirely sold on the idea. “Vanna isn’t a huge fan of Ryan so far,” the source revealed in July. “It’s not that she doesn’t like him, but her chemistry with Pat Sajak was much more natural. With Ryan, it feels forced, and she doesn’t want loyal viewers and her longtime fans to pick up on that.”
The insider added that Vanna was “starting to think she may have made a mistake by staying” on the show following Pat’s departure. “Hopefully, she and Ryan will end up having a great rapport and this will all blow over,” the source noted optimistically.
A Bright Future Ahead
While Vanna may have had her reservations, Ryan remains optimistic about the future of Wheel of Fortune. “This is such an incredible, special franchise,” he expressed during his appearance on CBS Sunday Mornings. “It’s more than a TV show. It is something that means something to people. And when I found out that this was an opportunity for me, there was no thought to this. It was like, ‘Absolutely, let’s figure it out and let’s get started.’”
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