Ryan Seacrest named Pat Sajak’s replacement on ‘Wheel of Fortune’
Ryan Seacrest has been named the new host of “Wheel of Fortune.”
The TV personality confirmed the news on his social media platforms Tuesday, writing, “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 [White] on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”
Seacrest, 48, continued in a message to the game show’s outgoing host, “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. 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.”
He concluded, “I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Seacrest’s announcement comes two weeks after Sajak, 76, confirmed that he was leaving the show for good in 2024.
“Well, the time has come,” the beloved host tweeted on June 12. “I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last.”
“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months,” he continued. “Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Sajak has hosted the syndicated game show since its nighttime debut in 1983. He also hosted the daytime edition from 1981 to 1989. White, 66, joined him in 1982.
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Seacrest, for his part, recently left his own successful show.
In February, he announced he was parting ways with “Live with Kelly and Ryan” after six years. He then taped his final show in April.
However, the seasoned host has several other projects that are still part of his resumé.
Seacrest has been the host of “American Idol” for 21 seasons — despite the singing competition show rotating judges throughout the years.
He also hosts iHeartRadio’s “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” which first launched in 2004 and got syndicated nationwide in 2008.
Seacrest also took the reins on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” in 2009, and he embarked on full executive producer and hosting duties after Dick Clark’s death in 2012.
