The 'American Idol' host is said to have chatted with the producers of the long-running game show, while its 76-year-old current host is set to be its consultant.
- Jun 14, 2023
AceShowbiz - Ryan Seacrest might replace Pat Sajak as the host of "Wheel of Fortune". Shortly after the longtime host of the popular syndicated game show announced his retirement, the "American Idol" host was rumored to be the top candidate for its next emcee.
The 48-year-old TV personality was revealed by Bloomberg reporter Lucas Shaw to be the number one candidate to replace the 76-year-old host on Monday night, June 12. Lucas brought up the suggestion via Twitter, "One candidate to replace Pat Sajak? @RyanSeacrest."
Spilling more on Ryan's potential to replace Pat, Lucas explained in the same tweet, "The host has been talking to the producers of 'Wheel of Fortune'. Some sources say he's the frontrunner. Others say he is just one of many interested."
While Ryan was tossed into the list as Pat's potential replacement, Whoopi Goldberg voiced her interest in taking the vacant position for the iconic game show. During the Tuesday, June 13 episode of "The View", the 67-year-old co-host revealed to Ken Jennings, "I want that job."
On the reason why, Whoopi simply stated, "I think it would be lots of fun." Responding to the "Sister Act" actress' statement, her co-host Joy Behar chimed in, "And you know what? [Sara Haines] and I could be Vanna White. We'll take turns walking back and forth!"
Pat himself announced his retirement from "Wheel of Fortune" on Monday, June 13 after hosting the show for four decades. "Well, the time has come. I've decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last," he wrote on his Twitter account.
"It's been a wonderful ride, and I'll have more to say in the coming months," he went on to pen. He did not forget to thank the show's fans by saying, "Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it'll keep the clickbait sites busy!)."
After his retirement, Pat is set to work as a consultant on the show, as revealed by vice president of game shows at Sony Pictures Television Suzanne Prete. "As the host of 'Wheel of Fortune', Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years," her statement read.
"We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season. Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we're thrilled to have him remaining close to the 'Wheel of Fortune' family," her statement continued.
