‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Pat Sajak Didn’t Want Ryan Seacrest To Host
Apparently, Ryan Seacrest wasn’t Pat Sajak’s first choice when it came to his replacement on Wheel Of Fortune. In fact, Ryan didn’t even make the shortlist. A studio source has opened up about the changes happening on the game show and the vibe since Pat’s departure. Continue reading to see what they revealed.
Ryan Seacrest Wasn’t Pat Sajak’s Choice For New Host
A source from the Wheel Of Fortune studio spoke with The U.S. Sun about Ryan Seacrest taking on the hosting duties on the game show. An entirely new era is beginning on Wheel Of Fortune this Monday. Ryan is set to step into Pat Sajak’s shoes on Wheel after 41 years of hosting the show. He will be taking the stage with long-time co-host Vanna White.
As fans know, Pat Sajak announced his retirement in June of 2023. Shortly after that, Ryan Seacrest was confirmed as his replacement on the beloved game show. However, Pat apparently didn’t have any say in who would step into the role.
Ryan didn’t receive much support from his predecessor as he prepared to become the host of Wheel Of Fortune. According to a top-level source at Sony, Pat didn’t mentor Ryan in the way people might’ve thought.
“Ryan wasn’t Pat’s choice to replace him and Pat deliberately stayed out of that process,” the insider said. “Ryan was extremely smart when he took the job to be utterly respectful to Pat at every turn. Ryan did not want there to be even an ounce of tension between them.”
They continued, “Ryan acts like he has Pat’s support and for now, that helps him [Ryan] enjoy this honeymoon period, where the fans are going to decide if he’s a good fit for the show.”
That said, the source said that things could take a turn a year from now. If the ratings drop or it’s obvious fans don’t like Ryan Seacrest as the host, he could get the boot. Pat will keep a close eye on things and will serve as a consulting producer for the next three years.
Ryan Pays Tribute To Wheel Of Fortune Legend
Before stepping into the hosting role, Ryan Seacrest paid tribute to Pat Sajak for his “dedication, charm, and wit.” He wrote in an Instagram post that Pat “set the standards” for all television hosts.
Although it seemed like Ryan was trying to be respectful of Pat’s major influence on television and the show, they haven’t interacted with each other much. The pair have spent some time on-set together as Pat filmed his final season of Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune to follow through with the terms of his contract. Even though they were on-set together, they reportedly didn’t speak to each other much.
The inside source did not reveal who Pat Sajak would have preferred as his replacement. Fans have been vocal about wishing to see his daughter, Maggie Sajak, step into the position.
Season 42 of Wheel Of Fortune kicks off on Monday, September 9.
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