VANNA White’s status on Wheel of Fortune depends on whether she and Ryan Seacrest can find winning chemistry – a source tells The US Sun.
Vanna, 66, and Pat Sajak, 77, will split after four decades tonight, Friday, June 7, with the American Idol host taking her place this fall.
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Pat’s final episode as host of Wheel of Fortune airs tonight, a bittersweet moment for game show fans.
He’s been a presenter since 1981, and Vanna has been a presenter since 1982, so viewers know very well that a big draw is the ease with which they are together.
The stalwart host first announced his retirement in June 2023 – shortly after Ryan, 49, was hired to replace him in season 42.
He and Vanna will have already started recording their first episodes and will continue to do so throughout the summer.
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Ryan and Vanna’s Season 42 premiere date is TBA, but fans will see them take the stage after the show’s annual summer hiatus.
Ryan and Vanna will be the show’s new dynamic duo for at least two years.
Vanna fought hard for a two-year contract extension when Pat announced his retirement.
However, whether or not she stays after this depends on whether she and Ryan establish their own relationship.
BIG ‘IF’
“Pat did not pressure Vanna to end her participation on the show simultaneously with her retirement,” the source said.
“Pat just wants Vanna to be happy and fulfilled, and now was simply not the time for Vanna to give up.”
They added that Vanna – who once called her and Pat TV’s Barbie and Ken – will only want to continue if she and Ryan get along.
“If She and Ryan have fun together and things work out, I’m sure Vanna will recover to stay on the show even longer,” they shared.
The source said the same goes for the production side.
“But a lot depends on how well things work out between Ryan and Vanna in the coming months.
“And, of course, what happens to the ratings when the first episodes start airing in the fall.”
‘MADE ME WHO I AM’
On Thursday, the day before Pat’s final episode, Vanna said goodbye in a tearful interview posted on social media that aired on the show.
“8,000 episodes passed like this. You made me who I am,” she said.
“We laughed, we cried, we celebrated — my goodness. What an incredible and unforgettable journey we had.
“And I enjoyed every minute with you.”
“You are like a brother to me and I consider you a true friend for life that I will always adore,” as her eyes filled with tears.
“I love you, Pat.”
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‘PERFECTLY HAPPY’
Earlier this week, Pat revealed other retirement plans that would make him “perfectly happy.”
The presenter and his daughter, Maggie, 29, gave an interview on Good Morning America.
“It feels surprisingly good,” Pat said of his time on the show ending so soon.
“This was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago,” he noted.
“So I had time to get used to it.
Although Pat is open to other jobs, he is “yearning for a simple life.”
“I’m perfectly happy if it just means I get to continue with my crossword puzzles and play with the grandkids. Hint, hint, hint,” he told his daughter.
Pat’s children, Maggie and Patrick, currently have no children.
She laughed when Pat said, “No pressure.”
Maggie is dating Scottish actor Ross McCall, 48.
The couple was spotted kissing and holding hands in Los Angeles on March 26.
MIXED AT SEACREST
When GMA posted Pat’s interview on Instagram earlier this week, the comments section reflected the skepticism many fans have toward Ryan.
Several followers were not happy with Ryan’s inauguration and were unsure if he would live up to Pat’s legacy.
“Maggie should be the host!! I don’t know who thought Seacrest was a good option,” one user wrote.
“Ryan Seacrest has taken on a lot of things, from American Idol to Rockin New Year’s Eve and now Wheel of Fortune,” added another.
On Reddit, other fans were surprised by the choice this week, as one wrote: “Seacrest? Is this the replacement?
“Seacrest is everyone’s replacement,” joked another. If you say ‘generic, harmless white guy’ in the mirror three times, Ryan Seacrest appears.
One more predicted: “Seacrest will be released in five years,” calling it “noncommittal.”
Wheel of Fortune Host Timeline
Debuting in 1975, the beloved game show has had a few different iconic hosts over its nearly 50 seasons.
Pat will retire with the longest career hosting the same show in history, surpassing the previous record holder Bob Barker and Alex Trebek.
However, he filmed his final episode in April, so he’s already had some time off.
Pat’s final show will air on Friday, June 7th at 7:30 pm ET
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
