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Vanna White admits she was ‘very scared’ of Ryan Seacrest joining Wheel of Fortune as host ahead of season 42 premiere
By Debbie White,
11 days ago
WHEEL of Fortune’s Vanna White has admitted to being scared about working alongside long-time pal Ryan Seacrest.
The revelation comes after fans said they weren’t overly keen on the TV personality and Vanna co-hosting the hit game show.
Ryan Seacrest is co-hosting Wheel of Fortune with Vanna White Getty Kayla Thomas (left), Ryan Seacrest, Vanna White, and JoJo Wright at the WOF S42 Pier Wheel Launch on August 30, 2024, in Santa Monica, California Getty Wheel of Fortune reveals a first look at new host Ryan Seacrest as he walks out arm-in-arm with Vanna White Wheel of Fortune
Ryan has replaced Pat Sajak , 77, following the beloved star’s retirement after hosting 8,000 episodes over 41 years.
Vanna and Ryan spoke about his new role yesterday on the CBS Sunday Morning show.
Correspondent Luke Burbank told viewers that Ryan “seemed comfortable in the role of host and co-collaborator with the TV royalty that is Vanna White.”
He asked her about the pair’s co-hosting duties.
“I’ve known Ryan for probably 20 years,” she replied.
“But in the past couple of months, we’ve done some traveling together for the show, and we got to know each other a little better too.
“So I think our chemistry is good – what do you think?”
“I mean, it looked like you’ve been doing this forever together,” Luke replied.
“So, were you nervous about that element – the chemistry, because there’s no accounting for that, right?”
“That’s so true. I had no idea what to expect when I’m used to one person for so long,” Vanna replied.
“I was very scared – but he’s doing a great job!”
Luke also grilled Ryan about starting yet another role, despite being “known as one of the busiest people in television.”
The star was described as an “institution in America” and the “guy who seems to host everything these days.”
When asked to list his jobs so far this year, Ryan reeled off a lengthy list including the ball drop on New Year’s Eve.
“American Top 40, mornings on KIIS FM, American Idol, WOF, and then some specials here and there,” he told Luke.
Wheel of Fortune host timeline
Although Pat Sajak and Vanna White have been a staple on the game show for decades, there have been other WOF hosts:
Chuck Woolery was the host from 1975 to 1981
He co-hosted alongside Susan Stafford (1975 to 1982)
Vanna White then stepped in as hostess in 1982 and has been ever since
After a contract and salary dispute, the show got rid of Chuck and brought in Pat in 1982
Pat hosted with Susan for one season
He then left the game show in 1989 to host a late-night talk show for CBS
For five months, NFL player Rolf Benirschke took his place
In July 1989, Bob Goen hosted the show on CBS
He hosted for a year and a half until the show was canceled in 1991
The show was then moved to ABC with Pat and Vanna hosting for the foreseeable future
In 2023, Pat announced his retirement and Ryan Seacrest was quickly named as his replacement
Ryan said that he had always wanted to be on air – even though Hollywood is a far cry from where he grew up in tiny Dunwoody, Georgia .
For his new job on WOF, he has had to figure out the floor plan, including the rules of the game, which has taken a lot of practice.
“When I was working, the producers sometimes would come and bring contestants, and we would play Wheel of Fortune in hotels, just to get familiar with the rules and scenarios and things that can happen, so that at some point it becomes second nature,” Ryan said.
“This is such an incredible special franchise.
“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… it was like, ‘Absolutely let’s figure this out and let’s get started.'”
‘PEAK’ SEACREST
Luke also asked whether he had “reached peak Ryan Seacrest and do not need to take on any more jobs?”
“I don’t know if I’ve reached peak me,” he replied.
“But I feel like I’ve reached – for the moment – fully occupied me.
“I don’t think I should take on another job right now. I want this one to go well.”
Ryan has recently teased some exciting things to come as he steps in to host WOF.
In addition to having a new host, the WOF set has been revamped.
Ryan Seacrest has been giving WoF fans a sneak peek at his day-to-day of co-hosting the game show with Vanna White Instagram / Ryan Seacrest Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest on the set of the hit game show, Wheel of Fortune Wheel of Fortune
I'd rather see Vanna running the show and Pat sajak daughter be the letter Turner I cannot deal with Ryan Seacrest being there and ruining things. and the thing that really got to me is that Ryan is getting paid more than Vanna before it was changed. I think the executives are worried about the ratings because not everyone likes Ryan Seacrest. if I was the executives of wheel of Fortune I would really watch the way seacrest runs the show. I hope you guys don't make the mistake of hiring him and getting the show canceled due to low ratings.
Domingo Camacho
11d ago
Vanna don't worry about it to me you are a great person and if you decided to stay I wish the best for you you are important person
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