Pat Sajak Never Retiring, Always Planned to Host ‘Celebrity Wheel of Fortune’

Pat Sajak is not emerging from a short-lived retirement to host the upcoming season of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.” Instead, this move was always in the plans, TMZ has learned.

When ABC announced on Wednesday that Pat would be hosting the fifth season of “Celeb Wheel” this fall, many speculated he was pulling a Tom Brady by quickly reversing his retirement decision.

However, sources with direct knowledge reveal that it was part of Pat’s succession plan to complete one final season of “Celebrity Wheel” before fully handing over the reins to Ryan Seacrest.

We are informed that Pat had one more year of the primetime edition of the show as stipulated in his prior contract.

Pat has already concluded his 41-year tenure on the syndicated “Wheel of Fortune,” with his last new episode airing in early June. This prompted confusion when ABC announced he would be back for another season of “Celeb Wheel.”

Our sources state that Pat has not yet filmed any episodes for “Celeb Wheel.” The show is set to air in October, and he will be in the studio filming later this summer.

Once Pat completes this final season, Ryan will take over for the subsequent season. Thus, this fall will truly be Pat’s last appearance on any “Wheel of Fortune” show. Make sure to savor it!