The rumors are true!
Ryan Seacrest will be the new host of Wheel of Fortune following Pat Sajak’s retirement.
On June 12, longtime Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajack announced that he will be retiring after his 41st season, which begins in September.
Pat Sajak Retires From “Wheel Of Fortune”
“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have many more to say in the coming months,” he said in a statement. “Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Who Will Be Replacing Pat Sajak?
Since the announcement, there have been many names floating around about who would be his replacement.
Some thought perhaps Vanna White would move into a hosting role, since she did so well filling in for Sajak and his daughter, Maggie, took over Vanna’s post as letter-turner.
RELATED: PAT SAJAK’S DAUGHTER DEBUTS ON “WHEEL OF FORTUNE” AS LETTER-TURNER
Two days after Sajak’s retirement announcement, TMZ confirmed that Ryan Seacrest was in early talks to be his replacement. Other names reportedly on the short list included Mario Lopez.
It’s Official…Ryan Seacrest Will Be New “Wheel Of Fortune” Host
It seems like the talks were short, because on June 27, the show announced Seacrest will be taking over hosting duties beginning in 2024.
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Seacrest has a lot of hosting experience. He has had his own radio show for decades, is the longtime host of American Idol, hosts Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve, co-hosted Live! with Kelly and Ryan for several years, and he previously worked for Wheel of Fortune creator, Merv Griffin.
In a statement on social media, Seacrest wrote, “I’m truly humble 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. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.”
He continued, “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.”
Seacrest’s statement also revealed Vanna White’s fate.
“I cant wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
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What do you think about the hosting news?