Vanna White is gearing up for the next season of “Wheel of Fortune” with new host Ryan Seacrest, erasing any doubt she previously had about the working duo.
“I think our chemistry is good. ... I had no idea what to expect when I’m used to one person for so long. I was very scared, but he’s doing a great job,” said White.
“I’ve known Ryan for probably 20 years, but in the past couple of months, we’ve done some traveling together for the show, and we got to know each other a little better, too,” said White.
Despite her initial concerns, White told People magazine that Seacrest is professional, kind, and a hard worker, reaffirming he was a great choice for the game show.
White quickly took to social media to quell any rumors, posting a photo of the two with the caption: “Friends on and off camera. Enjoying one of our favorites, Chicken and Dumplings!”
Seacrest, however, could not contain the excitement surrounding his new gig and is grateful to work on the beloved show alongside White.
“This is such an incredible, special franchise. It’s more than a TV show. It is something that means something to people and when I found out that this was an opportunity for me, there was no thought to this, it was like, absolutely. Let’s figure it out, and let’s get started,” Seacrest told CBS.
White and Sajak had hosted the syndicated nighttime version of “Wheel of Fortune” since its debut in 1983 and are considered the longest-running game show hosts in American TV history.
Sajak announced his retirement in 2023 before taping his final episode in June of this year, and White signed on to a two-year deal to remain as co-host until the end of the 2025–26 season.
“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,” Sajak wrote in a statement at the time.
White echoed that sentiment on social media, voicing her support for Sajak and his future endeavors.
“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,” she wrote on X.
While Sajak will not be present in front of the camera, he will continue to play a role behind the scenes, agreeing to stay on as a show consultant for three years.
Meanwhile, season 42 of “Wheel of Fortune” premieres with Seacrest as host on Sept. 9.
