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Ryan Seacrest is set to take the reins as the new host of “Wheel of Fortune,” following Pat Sajak’s retirement. After 41 seasons and bidding farewell on Friday, Sajak, aged 77, passed the torch to 49-year-old Seacrest, marking a significant change for the beloved word puzzle game show. In a promotional video released to local stations, Seacrest is warmly introduced by Sajak on the iconic set, alongside a beaming Vanna White, who will continue her role as co-host with Seacrest starting in September.
In the video, Sajak quizzes Seacrest on his thoughts about stepping into the role, to which Seacrest responds with enthusiasm. White expresses her belief that the contestants will take a liking to Seacrest, highlighting the show’s ongoing appeal to its audience. Sajak praises the show as a much-needed daily diversion for its global fan base and assures Seacrest of the incomparable nature of the job and his new co-host, White.
After completing his 8,010th episode on Friday, Sajak took a moment to thank the television viewers for their unwavering support over the years. White shared an emotional video on June 6 to bid her co-host a heartfelt goodbye, reflecting on the remarkable journey they’ve shared.
Seacrest, in a June 9 social media post, commended Sajak for his impressive tenure on “Wheel of Fortune,” celebrating the duo of Sajak and White as a memorable partnership in TV history. Seacrest acknowledged Sajak’s remarkable contributions to the show, applauding his humor, charm, and the indelible mark he has left on the entertainment industry.