TV host Ryan Seacrest has confirmed he’s been picked to succeed Pat Sajak as host of the hit game show “Wheel of Fortune.”
Seacrest took to Twitter on Tuesday and tweeted that he’s “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 [White] on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them,” he added.
“I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,” Seacrest concluded.
Seacrest’s post comes after the New York Times reported on Tuesday that the 48-year-old media personality — who’d been considered a top contender for the job among speculators — would be the next host of the game show in 2024.
Reports surfaced on Monday that Sajak’s longtime co-host Vanna White was interested in staying on board, but was currently in contract negotiations to continue with the show. She is under contract for another year, the NYT noted.
Breaking News: Ryan Seacrest will succeed Pat Sajak as the next host of “Wheel of Fortune,” according to people familiar with the plan. https://t.co/Q3h3RkzjoT pic.twitter.com/RexKaRld9O
— The New York Times (@nytimes) June 27, 2023
Seacrest, White, and even Whoopi Goldberg were previously speculated as possible replacements for Sajak after he announced earlier this month that he was leaving the show.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak tweeted on June 12.
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“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months,” he added. “Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
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
Seacrest has previously hosted “American Idol,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’Eve,” and the podcast “On Air With Ryan Seacrest.”
After Sajak’s announcement, White — who first appeared alongside Sajak in 1982 — took to social media to celebrate her costar and all the seasons they worked together.
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
“When we started [Wheel of Fortune] who could have imagined we’d still be at it 41 seasons later? ” Vanna tweeted. “I couldn’t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years with one more to come. Cheers to you [Pat Sajak]!”
Related: Here Are The Names Being Floated To Replace Retiring ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Host Pat Sajak