After it was announced that Pat Sajak would be retiring from Wheel of Fortune after the upcoming season, many were left wondering who exactly would be taking over the game show. Would Vanna White step away from the board? Would the gig go to a relative unknown? Or would it go to a workaholic who has become synonymous with hosting duties? As it turns out, Wheel of Fortune will be hosted by none other than Ryan Seacrest.
In a statement, Ryan Seacrest announced that he would take over as host of Wheel of Fortune while also paying tribute to Sajak, who began hosting the syndicated version of the popular game show in 1983. “I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak…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. Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.”
Ryan Seacrest even offered a glimpse into his resume to defend his Wheel of Fortune qualifications. “Many people probably don’t know this but one of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called Click for 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.” White is reportedly negotiating her contract.
Prior to the aforementioned Click – which Ryan Seacrest obviously brought up due to its connection to Wheel of Fortune – he got his start hosting shows like Gladiators 2000 and Wild Animal Games before truly breaking through with American Idol and other endeavors. But Pat Sajak’s aren’t the only big shoes he has stepped into, as he took over Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and for Regis Philbin (by way of Michael Strahan) alongside Kelly Ripa.
How do you feel about Ryan Seacrest hosting Wheel of Fortune? Do you think he’ll make a solid replacement for Pat Sajak? Give us your take below!