In a Tuesday Instagram update, Ryan Seacrest revealed that he is set to succeed Pat Sajak as the host of “Wheel of Fortune”. Sajak had publicized his intention to retire from the game show in June, following a remarkable 41 seasons at the helm.
“It’s an honor to step into the shoes of the iconic Pat Sajak,” shared Seacrest. “Like everyone else in America, I’ve had the pleasure and sheer delight of tuning in to watch Pat and Vanna light up our TV screens for an incredible 40 years, bringing joy to our evenings and making us feel welcomed. Pat, your knack for celebrating the contestants and comforting viewers at home is something I admire. I’m eager to glean as much as possible from you during this transition.”
View this post on Instagram
During his long-standing career co-hosting “Wheel of Fortune” with Vanna White, Sajak has secured the Daytime Emmy for the outstanding game show host thrice, alongside 19 nominations. Although he won’t be the show’s frontman anymore, Sony Pictures Television confirmed that Sajak will maintain an advisory role with the show.
“The moment has arrived. Our 41st season, starting in September, will be my swansong,” Sajak said regarding his exit. “It’s been an extraordinary journey, and I’ll share more in the upcoming months. Thank you all for your support. (At the very least, it will keep the gossip sites busy!)”
Following Sajak’s announcement, speculation about Seacrest being a potential successor began to circulate. Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter who first reported Sajak’s exit, tweeted that Seacrest was in early talks with the show’s producers. “Some sources say he’s the favorite,” wrote Shaw. “Others suggest he’s just among several candidates.”
One of the other interested individuals was “The View” host and EGOT recipient Whoopi Goldberg, who voiced her aspirations on air. “I’m interested in that job!” Goldberg declared the next morning during a discussion about Sajak’s retirement, along with “Jeopardy” host Ken Jennings, who assumed the role after Alex Trebek passed away.
Vanna White also expressed her interest, after stepping into the host’s shoes temporarily in 2019 while Sajak was recovering from emergency surgery.
In response to Sajak’s announcement, White shared on Twitter, “Who would’ve thought we’d still be going strong 41 seasons later when we started ‘Wheel of Fortune’? I’m thrilled to have shared this stage with you all these years, and I’m excited about the one more to come. Here’s to you!”
Despite the competition, it was Seacrest who ultimately secured the position.
Seacrest, like Sajak, has been a constant figure on “American Idol” since its inception, hosting the singing competition show since 2002. He has been a grounding presence on the show, as it evolved over time, with a constant change of judges and a network switch from Fox to ABC. “My aspiration is to host this show indefinitely,” Seacrest told Variety earlier this year.
Seacrest also has experience taking over from an icon, having taken on hosting duties for “American Top 40” from legendary radio host Casey Kasem in 2004 and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” Seacrest co-hosted and executive produced the holiday special with Clark until the renowned broadcaster’s death in 2012.
“Many might not be aware, but one of my initial roles was hosting a small game show called ‘Click’ for Merv Griffin 25 years ago. So, this is truly a moment of coming full circle for me and I’m thankful to Sony for the opportunity,” Seacrest added in his post. “I’m thrilled about continuing the tradition of spinning the wheel and collaborating with the exceptional Vanna White.”
This new role for Seacrest comes just after his departure from “Live With Kelly and Ryan”, where he served as a co-host alongside Kelly Ripa for six years. Despite leaving “Live”, Seacrest remains busy, with roles on “Idol,” “On Air With Ryan Seacrest,” “American Top 40,” “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”, and his morning show for L.A.’s KIIS-FM radio.
Besides his TV engagements, Seacrest is investing time in his food businesses, studying the production of extra virgin olive oil and organic wine through his agricultural company, and preparing to launch his label, “Concento”. He is also working on establishing new broadcast media centers in pediatric hospitals through the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.
In his farewell interview with Variety for “Live”, Seacrest gave his younger self some valuable advice: “It’s okay to move on from one chapter to start another. The next thing coming is likely something you didn’t anticipate.”
The next part of his journey will see him spinning the Final Wheel.
The Artical Source https://variety.com/
