EXCLUSIVE: Vanna White thinks Wheel of Fortune bosses have a ‘lack of respect’ for her and believe she is ‘REPLACEABLE’ after they hired Ryan Seacrest as Pat Sajak’s successor WITHOUT consulting her or ‘giving her a chance to take over the job’
- White, 66, is ‘disappointed’ that she wasn’t considered to replace Sajak
- Sajak, 76, announced his plans to retire from the game show last month
- This week, Seacrest, 48, was named as the longtime host’s successor
Vanna White feels like Wheel Of Fortune bosses think she is ‘replaceable’ and have a ‘lack of respect for her’ after they hired Ryan Seacrest as longtime host Pat Sajak’s successor without offering her a chance to take on the role.
A source close to White, 66, told DailyMail.com exclusively that she was ‘disappointed’ that they made a decision about Seacrest, 48, so quickly – with show executives announcing Seacrest as the new host less than two weeks after Sajak, 76, publicly revealed he was retiring.
‘She was disappointed that they didn’t give her more of a chance to take over Pat’s job, or that she wasn’t able to give her two cents on the replacement,’ the insider said.
‘She didn’t assume they would be making the announcement of his replacement so soon.’
Vanna White, 66, believes that Wheel of Fortune bosses showed a ‘lack of respect for her’ by hiring Ryan Seacrest as Pat Sajak’s replacement, a source close to the host has revealed
White was 25 years old when she began as the co-host opposite Sajak, now 76 – who announced his retirement in June
The source was quick to emphasize White had ‘nothing but respect for Ryan and will be happy to work with him, but it just shows a lack of respect in her eyes that they have for her.’
‘She wants to be with the show for as long as she wants to be on the show, on her terms. She believes she deserves it,’ the insider added.
‘It is a major uphill battle, especially when money is involved and she sees the writing on the wall that they think she is replaceable.
‘There will be lots of negotiations, but if she gets replaced and is not given a new contract, she will be beyond heartbroken.
‘This has been her life, it would be just as powerful as a death if she doesn’t continue with the show.’
The insider further elaborated the transition that the retirement of Wheel’s longtime executive producer Harry Friedman, 76, in August 2019 was what initially seemed to set in motion a new era for the game show.
‘Things got a little bit different with the show for Pat and Vanna during COVID, as the atmosphere changed on set once [Harry] left the show and retired,’ they said.
‘It just wasn’t the same vibe… Nobody dislikes anyone, it is just different, and the leverage that Pat and Vanna once had is not there anymore.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=0_9c_dcgoIA%3Frel%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26hl%3Den-US
Less than two weeks after Sajak announced his retirement, Seacrest, 48, was announced as his successor – news that is said to have come as a bitter ‘disappointment’ to White
‘Pat saw the writing on the wall and thought if there was ever a time to leave, now would be that time.’
As for Vanna, the source added: ‘She usually… keeps to herself, comes to work, does her thing, and leaves. She is friendly with everyone, but with the new regime, she doesn’t have the clout she once had, is no longer bulletproof, and is unfortunately made to feel replaceable.
‘She doesn’t want to retire and leave the show, so she really hopes she doesn’t get pushed out. That is the last thing on her list to happen, she wants to stay, but she also wants it to be fair and is going to fight for what she believes in and what she deserves.’
Representatives for White and Wheel of Fortune did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
Earlier this month, Sajak, 76, announced he would be retiring in 2024.
‘Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,’ he wrote on Twitter at the time.
‘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!)’
On Tuesday, Seacrest wrote in a personal announcement he would be helming the show after Sajak’s retirement.
The source was quick to emphasize White had ‘nothing but respect for Ryan and will be happy to work with him, but it just shows a lack of respect in her eyes that they have for her’
Seacrest will reportedly continue to host American Idol and his KIIS-FM radio show, On Air With Ryan Seacrest
‘I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,’ he said in a statement on social media.
‘I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.’
Seacrest went on to write a heartfelt message to the longtime frontman of the show.
‘Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition,’ he said.
Seacrest added: ‘I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.’
Season 41 of Wheel of Fortune is expected to debut in September 2023 and wrap up by the following June.
White first joined Wheel of Fortune in 1982 when she was 25 years old.
She has remained the presenter and co-host opposite Sajak ever since.
Seacrest will reportedly continue to host American Idol and his KIIS-FM radio show, On Air With Ryan Seacrest.
Earlier this month, a source exclusively shared with DailyMail.com that ‘Vanna doesn’t want to leave Wheel of Fortune even after Pat’s announcement of retirement and she would highly consider taking over his role as host on the show.’
The insider added: ‘Vanna is in it for the long haul … A year from now, if Vanna is gone from Wheel, it wasn’t her decision.’
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