Vanna White is mulling over working with Ryan Seacrest on Wheel of Fortune after the retirement of Pat Sajak.
In an interview with CBS Sunday MorningThe longtime game show host admitted she felt “scared” under Seacrest's hosting duties, given that she had worked with Sajak for so long. White and Sajak hosted the union Wheel of Fortune since their debut in 1983 and are recognized as the longest-running game show hosts in American TV history.
“I think our chemistry is good,” White said of his current work with Seacrest. “I had no idea what to expect when I’ve been used to the same person for so long. I was very scared, but he’s doing a great job.”
“I’ve known Ryan for about 20 years,” White said. “But over the last couple months, we’ve been traveling together for the show and getting to know each other a little bit better.”
Sajak announced in June 2023 that he would be leaving Wheel of Fortune after hosting the game show for 41 seasons.
“Well, the time has come. I have decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak wrote in a statement. shared on X (formerly Twitter) at the moment. “It's been a wonderful journey, and I'll have more to say in the coming months. Thank you all so much. (If nothing else, it'll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Seacrest was announced as Sajak’s replacement, also signing a multi-year deal to host the long-running show.
“I am truly honored to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak. I can say, along with the rest of America, that it has been a privilege and a pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel at home with them,” Seacrest said in a statement following the announcement.
The radio personality added, “Pat, I love how you've always celebrated the contestants and made the viewers at home feel at ease. I can't wait to learn everything I can from you during this transition… I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Meanwhile, White has signed a two-year contract extension to continue as co-host of the syndicated game show through the 2025-26 season.