If you've been glued to Wheel of Fortune this year, you've witnessed some major shifts. From Pat Sajak's announcement that he's stepping down as host to Ryan Seacrest being named his successor, the show has been full of surprises. But on October 2, fans noticed another absence—Vanna White wasn't there to dazzle us with her letter-turning charm. Naturally, everyone wanted to know what was going on.
Why Was Vanna White Missing From 'Wheel of Fortune'?
At the start of the week, Pat Sajak stepped up to explain why Vanna wasn't at her usual spot by the iconic puzzle board. In his trademark calm and reassuring tone, Pat addressed the audience directly to share the news about Vanna's absence.
“You’ll notice Vanna is not here, and I have to say that Ms. White has tested positive for COVID,” Pat revealed. “That’s the bad news.” But Pat was quick to assure fans that Vanna was doing okay. “The good news is I talked to her just a little while ago, and she feels fine. She has a little sniffle, but she tested positive, so she will not be with us here this week.”
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Of course, the show must go on, and it did—with a little help from a substitute. Bridgette Donald-Blue, a 2023 California Teacher of the Year recipient, stepped in to temporarily take Vanna's place from October 2 to October 6. Bridgette brought her own flair to the role, filling in during Teacher’s Week on the show. It was a perfect opportunity to showcase her talents and support Vanna during her recovery.
The news of Vanna’s absence was tough for longtime Wheel of Fortune fans. After all, Pat and Vanna have been a dynamic duo for decades, and this season marks Pat's final one as host. When the 42nd season rolls around next year, Ryan Seacrest will take the reins alongside Vanna, continuing the show's legacy.
After his last episode as host, Pat will remain involved with Wheel of Fortune by serving as a consultant behind the scenes for the next three years. It’s clear that the show values his input and experience. “We’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the Wheel of Fortune family!” said Suzanne Prete, Executive Vice President of Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television, in a statement following Pat’s retirement announcement in June.
Is Vanna White Stepping Away From 'Wheel of Fortune'?
Though Vanna had to miss a few episodes due to testing positive for COVID-19, she hasn’t announced any plans to leave the show. This has been an eventful year for Vanna, who recently extended her contract with Wheel of Fortune through 2026, according to Closer.
Vanna will be joining Ryan Seacrest in early 2024 for the next season of Wheel of Fortune. The American Idol host is thrilled about the opportunity to work with her. “This is such great news,” Ryan said in September after the announcement of Vanna’s contract extension. “Vanna has been such a staple on that show and in our living rooms for so many years. I’ve been very excited to work with her, but now that it’s official, I can say, ‘Congratulations, Vanna.’ I can’t wait.”
