Ryan Seacrest shares“ Wheel of Fortune” hosting plans after Pat Sajak's departure: 'I'm a kid in a candy store'
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Ryan Seacrest is looking ahead to September 2024, when he is set to step in as the new host of Wheel of Fortune.
The Emmy-winning TV host revealed his plans for when he takes the reins from his predecessor, Pat Sajak. Spoiler alert: He's not messing with perfection.
"With this game show, it's such a success and has been for generations," Seacrest said in a new interview with PEOPLE. "You don't mess with it, just don't mess with it. Just get out of the way, say 'good evening,' and let's play."
Presley Ann/Getty Ryan Seacrest
Seacrest landed the gig just after announcing his departure from Live With Kelly and Ryan, which he co-hosted for nearly six years. "It was a good time to go, and then fortunately a couple of weeks later, this other great opportunity came to fruition," he said. "I'm a kid in a candy store."
Sajak will begin his final season as the host of the long-running game show this fall, with Seacrest taking over a year later.
"I think I have so much adrenaline rushing through my body," Seacrest said. "Excitement is the word because it's such a phenomenal show. I grew up watching the show, and I can't wait to take over after the legendary Pat Sajak."
With Sajak stepping down after four decades at the wheel, TV fans will appreciate the presence of Vanna White, his longtime cohost, who is returning to send Sajak off and welcome Seacrest. On Tuesday, news came that White — who has been in negotiations to return and seeking her first pay raise in 18 years — has officially extended her contract through the 2025-2026 TV season.
Seacrest happened to be recording an interview for Sunday Sitdown With Willie Geist when he got word of it.
"This is such great news," Seacrest told Geist. "Vanna has been such a staple on that show and in our living rooms for so many years. I've been very excited to work with her, but now that it's official I can say, 'Congratulations, Vanna!' I can't wait."
Seacrest said he hoped White would stick around to show him the ropes, adding, "We've known each other for a very long time. When I signed on, I called her and said, 'I very much look forward to being on that set with you.' To have Vanna on the show is extremely important. People love Vanna White."
Like Sajak, White has been with the show for four decades. Following the news of his departure, White celebrated their time together with a sweet message on social media.
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? 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]!"
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