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VANNA White’s status on Wheel of Fortune hinges on whether she and Ryan Seacrest can find winning chemistry- a source has told The U.S. Sun.
Vanna, 66, and Pat Sajak, 77, will part ways after four decades tonight, Friday, June 7, with the American Idol host taking his place this fall.
Vanna White will join Ryan Seacrest for at least two years starting this fall[/caption]
Vanna and Pat Sajak were a dynamic duo for 41 years and 8000 episodes[/caption]
‘Vanna will stay on the show even longer,’ the source said, ‘If she and Ryan have a good time together’[/caption]
Pat’s last episode as Wheel of Fortune host airs tonight, a bittersweet moment for game show fans.
He’s hosted since 1981, and Vanna has turned letters since 1982, so viewers know all too well that a major draw is their ease together.
The stalwart host first announced his retirement in June 2023 – shortly after Ryan, 49, was secured to replace him for Season 42.
He and Vanna will have reportedly already begun taping their first episodes and will continue doing so over the summer.
Ryan and Vanna’s premiere date of Season 42 is TBA, but fans will see them take the stage after the show’s annual summer hiatus.
Ryan and Vanna will be the show’s new dynamic duo for at least two years.
Vanna fought hard for a two-year contract extension when Pat announced his retirement.
However, whether or not she stays on after that depends on whether she and Ryan strike up their own rapport.
BIG ‘IF’
“Pat put zero pressure on Vanna to end her run on the show simultaneously to his own retirement,” the source claimed.
“Pat just wants Vanna to be happy and fulfilled, and right now was simply not the time for Vanna to quit.”
They added that Vanna – who once called her and Pat the Barbie and Ken of TV – will only want to keep going if she and Ryan hit it off.
“If she and Ryan have a good time together and things work out, I am sure Vanna will re-up to stay on the show even longer,” they shared.
The source said that the same rings true on the production side.
“But a lot hinges on how well things work out between Ryan and Vanna over the next few months.
“And, of course, what happens with the ratings when their first episodes start airing in the fall.”
‘MADE ME WHO I AM’
On Thursday, on the eve of Pat’s last episode, Vanna said goodbye in a tearful interview posted on social media that aired on the show.
“8000 episodes have gone by like that. You made me who I am,” she said.
“We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve celebrated- oh gosh. What an incredible and unforgettable journey we’ve had.
“And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, with you.”
“You’re like a brother to me, and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always adore,” as her eyes welled up.
“I love you, Pat.”
Vanna teared up in a new interview and called Pat Sajak, ‘a brother and lifelong friend’[/caption]
‘PERFECTLY HAPPY’
Earlier this week, Pat revealed other retirement plans that would make him “perfectly happy.”
The host and his daughter, Maggie, 29, sat down for an interview on Good Morning America.
“It’s surprisingly OK,” Pat said about his time on the show ending so soon.
“This was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago,” he noted.
“So I’ve had time to sort of get used to it.
While Pat is open to other jobs, he is “looking forward to the simple life.”
“I’m perfectly happy if it just means that I’ll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren. Hint hint hint,” he told his daughter.
Pat’s children, Maggie and Patrick, currently do not have any kids of their own.
She laughed as Pat said, “No pressure.”
Maggie is dating Scottish actor, Ross McCall, 48.
The couple was spotted kissing and holding hands in Los Angeles on March 26.
MIXED ON SEACREST
When GMA posted Pat’s interview on Instagram earlier this week, the comments section reflected the skepticism many fans have about Ryan.
Several followers weren’t happy that Ryan would take over and were unsure he would live up to Pat’s legacy.
“Maggie should be host!! Idk who thought Seacrest was a good fit,” wrote one user.
“Ryan Seacrest already takes on a lot from American Idol to Rockin New Year’s Eve and now Wheel of Fortune,” added another.
On Reddit, other fans were stunned by the choice this week, as one wrote, “Seacrest? That’s the replacement?
“Seacrest is everyone’s replacement,” joked another. If you say ‘generic inoffensive white guy’ into a mirror 3 times, Ryan Seacrest appears.”
One more predicted, “Seacrest will be out in five years,” calling him “non-committal.”
Wheel of Fortune host timeline
Premiering in 1975, the beloved game show has had a few different iconic hosts in its nearly 50 seasons.
1975 – 1981 : Chuck Woolery was the original host of Wheel of Fortune until he departed in 1981.
1981 – June 2024: Pat Sajak took over and became a beloved Wheel of Fortune host for over 40 years.
September 2024: Ryan Seacrest was declared the newest host as Sajak announced his retirement.
Pat will retire with the longest career as host for the same show in history, surpassing previous record holder Bob Barker and Alex Trebek.
However, he filmed his final episode in April, so he has already had some time off.
Pat’s last show will air on Friday, June 7 at 7:30 pm E.T.
The source added that ‘a lot hinges on how well things work out,’ and the ratings of ‘their first episodes’[/caption]
Some fans are suspicious of Ryan’s ability to live up to Pat Sajak[/caption]
Vanna’s new contract will see her continue without Pat for two years, and only longer if she and Ryan hit it off[/caption]
