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Why Vanna White Was Scared to Work with ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Co-Host Seacrest
For the first time in 41 years, Wheel Of Fortune has introduced a new co-host, leaving veteran Vanna White feeling a bit anxious. With Pat Sajak stepping down at the end of last season, Ryan Seacrest has stepped in to fill his shoes, creating a challenging transition for everyone involved.
Though Seacrest was a fitting choice for the role, White was accustomed to her natural rapport with Sajak. Despite having a friendship lasting over 20 years with the radio host, working alongside him was a different experience. “I think our chemistry is good,” she shared with CBS Sunday Mornings. “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.” Her initial hesitation resonated with reports that she was struggling with the change.
A source revealed in July that “Vanna isn’t a huge fan of Ryan so far” because adjusting after four decades with her previous co-host was tough. “It’s not that she doesn’t like him, but her chemistry with Pat Sajak was much more natural,” they added. “With Ryan, it feels forced, and she doesn’t want loyal viewers and her longtime fans to pick up on that.” Nevertheless, after doing test runs ahead of the Monday, September 9, 2024, debut for its 42nd season, White and Seacrest seemed to have worked out the initial kinks.
Ironically, White believes that Seacrest’s addition is perfect for the game show created by the late Merv Griffin. “Oddly enough, Merv Griffin, who is the creator of Wheel of Fortune, who chose me—God bless you, Merv—Ryan Seacrest was also one of Merv’s people that he discovered,” she mentioned to People in August. “We actually sat next to each other at Merv’s Funeral. That’s where we met.”
Before returning for the 42nd season, White negotiated a new contract that secures her letter-turning role through the 2025-2026 television season. While she considered retiring when Sajak announced his departure, she shared with TV Insider in May, “When I heard that Pat was retiring, I thought maybe I should retire too, but I’m not ready!” Clearly, White has more letters to turn in her future.
