Ryan Seacrest will take over hosting duties on long-running game show Wheel of Fortune next year, the American Idol host announced on Tuesday, following longtime host Pat Sajak’s retirement after four decades solving word puzzles.
Ryan Seacrest will replace Pat Sajak as the host of 'Wheel of Fortune.'
Seacrest said he was “truly humbled” to replace Sajak and that he “can’t wait to continue the tradition” and to work alongside Vanna White, who co-hosted alongside Sajak for decades.
Sajak, who turned 76 in October, announced earlier this month he will retire from the syndicated game show after the upcoming season starting in September, after more than 40 seasons as host, saying: “It’s been a wonderful ride.”
7.3 million. That’s how many people watched Wheel of Fortune on average in the first full week of June, according to data from Nielsen, putting it just behind Jeopardy! (7.6 million) and ahead of Family Feud (6.9 million).
Pat Sajak Retiring From ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ After 4 Decades—Leaving Behind Large Audience (Forbes)