Ryan Seacrest has been announced as the successor to the iconic Pat Sajak as the new host of the long-running “Wheel of Fortune” game show.
In an Instagram post, the 48-year-old expressed his humbleness at taking on the mantle of the 76-year-old Sajak, saying that it has been “a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them”. Seacrest said he looked forward to learning from Sajak during the transition.
Sajak had announced his retirement earlier this month, with Whoopi Goldberg from “The View” expressing her interest in his role. Meanwhile, the show’s letter-turner Vanna White is reportedly in contract negotiations to stay with the show, having not received a raise in 18 years.
Seacrest’s impressive resume of game show and entertainment hosting includes “American Idol” for 21 years, 695 episodes of “Live with Kelly and Mark”, and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”. He has also signed a multi-year agreement to be the new host of “Wheel of Fortune” and will serve as consulting producer.