On Monday, legendary “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak announced that he would be stepping down from his position after 40 years appearing in living rooms all over the country. Ever since the news broke, folks have been wondering who could potentially fill Sajak’s shoes, a job that will be a huge challenge no matter who takes the position. Well, according to Fox News, there is now one big name that has been tossed around for consideration: Ryan Seacrest.
Fox reached out to the show runners behind the popular long running game show, along with representatives for Seacrest to get a comment concerning the rumor. Seacrest recently left his co-hosting duties on the “Live with Kelly and Ryan” program and has relocated to Los Angeles.
Seacrest definitely has the professional credentials to take the mantel from Sajak. The 48-year-old currently hosts “American Idol” and has led the “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” countdown every year since 2007, when Clark retired.
Sajak has been hosting “Wheel of Fortune” since 1981.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he posted on Twitter. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.”
Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. 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!)
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) June 12, 2023
One of the most highly suggested individuals to replace the popular host, according to people on social media, is Sajak’s daughter, Maggie, who is 28. She’s worked behind-the-scenes on the program as its social media correspondent and has filled in for co-host Vanna White, turning letters back in 2019 and also earlier this year.
There’s also been a lot of folks wondering if Vanna White will remain on the show without her co-host. Thus far, she has not commented on her future with the program.
When we started @WheelofFortune who could have imagined we’d still be at it 41 seasons later? I couldn’t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years with one more to come. Cheers to you, @patsajak! https://t.co/yYmo3G0Dtb
— Vanna White (@TheVannaWhite) June 13, 2023
However, White did have some words of encouragement for Sajak, tweeting, “When we started @WheelofFortune who could have imagined we’d still be at it 41 seasons later? I couldn’t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years with one more to come. Cheers to you, @patsajak!”
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