Tensions Between Vanna White & Ryan Seacrest on Wheel of Fortune

Ryan Seacrest is set to make his debut as the new host of Wheel Of Fortune. After an impressive run of more than 40 years, Pat Sajak has retired, passing the torch to Ryan and his well-known co-host Vanna White. However, not everything appears to be running smoothly between the two new hosts. Although some adjustment is to be expected, a source close to the show has pointed out tensions between Ryan and Vanna. Keep reading to see what they revealed.

The first episode of Wheel Of Fortune featuring Ryan Seacrest is scheduled to premiere in September 2024. Season 42 is expected to feature a new host and a slightly different feel to the game.

According to reports, Vanna White has been hesitant to adapt to the changes brought about by the new hosting arrangement. Behind closed doors, Vanna reportedly feels like a “third wheel” on the show since Pat Sajak’s departure.

A source told Radar Online that Vanna anticipated she would become a more prominent part of the show after Pat left. The Wheel Of Fortune veteran also perceives much of Ryan’s performance as “forced.”

The insider continued, “Vanna has tried to give Ryan advice and show him the ropes. Ryan is a control freak. He finally told her he’s doing things his way and he’s not trying to be Pat Sajak!”

This reaction took Vanna by surprise. The insider added, “So Vanna is again relegated to the background, but now it’s not with Pat, someone she knows and loves, but a new guy, Ryan.”

Interestingly, the insider claimed that Vanna doesn’t like the new Wheel Of Fortune host. “With Ryan, it feels forced and she doesn’t want that to come across to loyal viewers — and producers fear the audience will notice it as well,” they said.

Apart from not having the same chemistry with Ryan as she did with Pat, Vanna White might also be slightly annoyed by the financial aspects of her job. Ryan Seacrest is earning an annual salary of $28 million for the new gig on Wheel Of Fortune. That’s about $13 million more than Pat made during his time on the show.

Additionally, it is roughly nine times what Vanna White makes now. Before renewing her contract, Vanna reportedly got into a bidding war. She eventually agreed to a salary she thought was fair, extending her contract through 2025. What her future on the show will look like after that remains uncertain.

The lack of chemistry with Ryan Seacrest might lead Vanna to end her contract early, but that’s just speculation at this point. A source close to the show mentioned that Wheel Of Fortune executives would prefer to fire Ryan rather than let Vanna leave. “They know fans tune in to see Vanna even more than the host!” they said.

Even though rumors suggest tensions between the hosts, Ryan Seacrest seems excited about working with Vanna White in the upcoming season.

Source: Radar Online