‘Wheel of Fortune’ has a new host in Seacrest, who takes over for Pat Sajak, who revealed he would be leaving after season 41 a few weeks earlier.
It doesn’t appear likely that Vanna White will leave Wheel of Fortune just yet.
Following the revelation that longstanding host Pat Sajak will retire after 41 seasons and the news that Ryan Seacrest will take up hosting duties, rumors have been rife over White’s future with the well-known game show.
According to individuals familiar with the situation, Sony Pictures Television is currently negotiating to keep the beautiful fan favorite on the show.
The insider affirms that “they are negotiating with her and would like to have her back.”
Since 1982, Wheel of Fortune has been hosted by White, 66, and Sajak, 76. On June 12, Sajak revealed his intention to stop hosting the show after the current 41st season is over.
“Well, now is the right time. Our 41st season, which starts in September, will be my last, I’ve decided,” he wrote on Twitter. “I’ll have more to say in the upcoming months. It’s been a beautiful voyage. Thank you all very much. (At the very least, it’ll keep the clickbait websites active!)”
Sajak will continue to work as a consultant on the show for the following three years, according to Suzanne Prete, EVP of Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television, who confirmed Sajak’s retirement intentions to PEOPLE.
“When we first launched @WheelofFortune, who would have thought that 41 seasons later, we’d still be going strong? I’ve had the pleasure of performing on stage with you for many years and look forward to many more,” she tweeted. “You’re welcome, @patsajak!”
However, White has admitted in the past that it was “depressing” to consider the show continuing without her and Sajak as co-hosts.
“I can’t imagine,” she said. “Everyone associates Pat and Vanna with Wheel of Fortune. You know, we’re like Ken and Barbie. It would feel strange to have someone else turn my letters as we have lived in everyone’s homes for 40 years.
Sony Pictures Television announced Seacrest as the program’s new host on Tuesday. The 48-year-old American Idol presenter expressed his “humbleness to be following in the legendary Pat Sajak’s footsteps” and his excitement to “continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
In response, Sajak tweeted, “I’m looking forward to my final season starting this fall, and then handing the car keys to Ryan Seacrest in September of 2024.” Sajak also expressed his support for Seacrest taking over.
