Ryan Seacrest Announced as New ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Host
Photo by: ABC/Stewart Cook Reading Time: 2 minutes
Ryan Seacrest has officially been announced as the new host of the long-running game show Wheel of Fortune. Seacrest will replace longtime host Pat Sajak, who is retiring next year. The new host said he was “truly humbled” to be filling the role.
Ryan Seacrest to Replace Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune
The New York Times broke the news that Seacrest would be joining the show. The outlet pointed out how quickly the decision was made, considering Sajak only announced his retirement earlier this month.
Seacrest was already rumored to be in talks for the position, although other famous names such as Sherri Shepherd were also brought up as possibilities. On Tuesday, Seacrest took to Instagram to share a statement about the new gig.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” he wrote, telling the current host, “I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.”
Seacrest also pointed out that he has prior experience hosting a game show, as he used to emcee Merv Griffin’s Click. He called it a “full circle moment for me” and wrote that he “can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
SEE ALSO: RYAN SEACREST RETURNS TO ‘LIVE’ IN A SURPRISING WAY
Will Seacrest Still Host American Idol?
Back in April, Seacrest said farewell to Live with Kelly and Ryan, which is now co-hosted by Kelly Ripa’s husband Mark Consuelos. That freed up some time in his schedule, but is he still planning to host American Idol?
Seacrest won’t have to make that decision just yet, since he’s not due to take over for Sajak until Season 42, which is expected to begin airing in the fall of 2024. That means he’ll be able to host another American Idol season next spring.
One benefit of his job on Wheel of Fortune is that the show films in California, whereas Live filmed in New York. That would limit Seacrest’s travel if he decides to stay on as Idol host.
