Wheel of Fortune recently announced a replacement for the longtime host, Pat Sajak, who will be stepping off the show at the end of the 41st season. “It’s official! Starting in 2024 @RyanSeacrest will take the stage as the new host of Wheel of Fortune,” the gameshow posted on its official Twitter page. “We’re so excited – Welcome Ryan!”
Reacting to the news, Sajak took to his Twitter page a day after to share his enthusiasm about the announcement of Seacrest as the incoming host. “I’m looking forward to my final season starting this fall,” he wrote, “and then handing over the car keys to Ryan Seacrest in September of 2024.”
Ryan Seacrest expresses his enthusiasm about his new position
The former Live with Kelly and Ryan co-host, in a statement to Fox News Digital, expressed his joy for being fortunate to be picked Pat Sajak’s successor. “I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest admitted to the news outlet. “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna (White) on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”
RELATED: Ryan Seacrest Named New Host Of ‘Wheel Of Fortune’
Seacrest also further stressed that he is open to gaining some perspectives about the show from the outgoing host. “Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease,” he explained. “I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.”
Ryan Seacrest reveals that Vanna White will remain on ‘Wheel of Fortune’
The media personality who was mentored by the legendary Dick Clark disclosed that his new job is not his first time being in charge of a game show as a host. “Many people don’t know this,” Seacrest confessed, “but one of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called Click for Merv Griffin 25 years ago, so this is truly a full circle moment for me, and I’m grateful to Sony for this opportunity.”
Also, the 48-year-old stated that he is hopeful that Pat Sajak’s co-host, Vanna White, will remain on the show as he takes up the hosting duties. “I can’t wait to continue the tradition for spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,” he noted.