Vanna White Feared Lack of Chemistry with Ryan Seacrest on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

Vanna White is reflecting on teaming with Ryan Seacrest on Wheel of Fortune after Pat Sajak’s retirement.

In an interview with CBS Sunday Mornings , the longtime game show staple admitted she felt “scared” amid Seacrest’s hosting given she worked with Sajak for so long. White and Sajak have hosted the syndicated Wheel of Fortune since its debut in 1983 and are recognized as the longest-running game show hosts in American TV history.

“I think our chemistry is good,” White said of now working with Seacrest. “I had no idea what to expect when I’m used to one person for so long. I was very scared but he’s doing a great job.”

“I’ve known Ryan for probably 20 years,” White said. “But in the past couple of months, we’ve done some traveling together for the show, and we got to know each other a little better, too.”

Sajak announced in June 2023 that he was leaving Wheel of Fortune after hosting the game show for 41 seasons.

“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak wrote in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) at the time. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”

Seacrest was announced as Sajak’s replacement, also signing a multi-year deal to host the long-running show.

“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,” Seacrest said in a statement after the announcement.

The radio personality added, “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… I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”

Meanwhile, White signed a two-year contract extension to continue as co-host of the syndicated game show through the 2025-26 season.

Source: CBS Sunday Mornings