Pat Sajak is retiring from Wheel of Fortune and the race is already on for a new host. Sajak announced the news this week saying, “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. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
His long-time partner on the show, Vanna White, responded by saying, “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!”
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
Sajak predicted there would be clickbait and he was right. There are already reports that Ryan Seacrest is the frontrunner to replace him.
A source close to the show revealed that Seacrest “has been talking to the producers. Some sources say he’s the frontrunner. Others say he is just one of many interested.”
Meanwhile, yesterday on “The View”, Whoopi Goldberg expressed interest in replacing Sajak telling the audience, “I want that job! I think it’d be a lot of fun.”
Fans have also weighed in on Twitter with their hopes for who might take over.
VANNA WHITE FOR WHEEL OF FORTUNE HOST 2024
— Amanda (AJ) Stewart WEAR (@AmandaJWEAR) June 13, 2023
I hope that Maggie Sajak will take over as host of #WheelOfFortune.
That would be great, if she wants the job.
— Bonnie (@greenurlifenow) June 14, 2023
I think Vanna White should take over hosting the wheel while Maggie Sajak takes over the letter board. #WheelOfFortune
— Melanie Buford (@MelanieBuford) June 13, 2023
Editorial credit: s_bukley