With longtime hostPat Sajakset to say his farewells toWheel of Fortuneat the end of the popular game show’s next season, his replacement has officially been announced. In the days after Sajak said he was stepping away after his 41st season hostingWheel of Fortune, rumors emerged thatAmerican IdolhostRyan Seacrestwas up for the job. Now, perTHR, Seacrest has been confirmed as Sajak’s successor.
“We are ecstatic to have Ryan as the next host ofWheel of Fortune,” Ravi Ahuja, Sony Pictures' chairman of global television studios, said in a statement. “Ryan lovesWheelas much as we do and is the perfect person to continue the show’s four-decade success into the future.”
Sony Pictures Television’s executive VP of game shows, Suzanne Prete, added: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Pat and Vanna for many years, witnessing their effortless ability to bring joy and humor toWheel of Fortunefor decades. Pat has been an incredible host and helped build the show into the success it is today. While Ryan has some big shoes to fill, I’m confident he will connect with our loyal fanbase and excite a whole new audience as we expand upon the show’s great legacy. I couldn’t be more thrilled.”
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest also says. “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. One of my first jobs was hosting a little game show calledClickfor Merv Griffin 25 years ago so, this is truly a full-circle moment for me and I’m grateful to Sony for the opportunity. I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Of course, one big question fans have is if Vanna White really plans on staying with the series after Sajak leaves at the end of next season. A recent report suggests she’s looking to stay, but with a pay raise, as she has not seen an increase for her spot on the game show in 18 years. It’s possible that White will move on if she doesn’t get the bump she’s looking for, as she’s previously spoken about how strange it would be to serve as co-host for someone other than Sajak.
“I can’t imagine [a new host],” White toldPeoplelast year before Sajak announced his imminent retirement. “Everybody relatesWheel of Fortuneto Pat and Vanna. We’re like Ken and Barbie, you know? We’ve been in everybody’s homes for 40 years, so it would be weird having somebody else turn my letters.”
Related:Wheel of Fortune Host Pat Sajak to Retire After One Last Season
Wheel of Fortune Is Getting Rebooted in the UK
Meanwhile, it’s also just been revealed thatWheel of Fortuneis getting rebooted in the UK as well. Previously, the show aired on ITV from 1988 to 2001.THRreports that a new version of the game show is coming soon withGraham Nortonserving as the host.
“I’m beyond excited to be bringing such an iconic American show to a new British audience,” Norton, who hostsThe Graham Norton Show, says of the news. “My first ever TV job was a game show on ITV so this feels like coming full circle. You might even call it a wheel!”
