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Former Wheel Of Fortune host Pat Sajak is 'giving Ryan Seacrest the cold shoulder' after 'forced' retirement
Pat Sajak, who retired from hosting Wheel of Fortune after four decades last month, is allegedly giving his replacement 'the cold shoulder.'
Although it initially seemed he was happy to hand over the reins to Ryan Seacrest, sources are now claiming that the Chicago native, 77, was actually pushed out by the network.
Following his 'forced' departure, the television personality is said to be 'resentful of the way he was treated and then kicked off the show' and has no interest in giving Seacrest, 49, any advice or guidance.
'Ryan can reach out to Pat if he wants but asking isn't getting. Pat's always going to be busy, or he'll brush Ryan off with a neutral, "You got this." When Ryan takes over, Pat's going to be watching and enjoying seeing how he fares in the hot seat which is full of challenges and not nearly as easy as he might think,' an insider told The Mirror.
Seacrest, whose first episode of Wheel of Fortune will air in September 2024, reportedly 'knows he's got huge shoes to fill being a worthy replacement for Pat.'
Pat Sajak, who retired from hosting Wheel of Fortune after 41 seasons last month, is allegedly giving his replacement 'the cold shoulder' (seen in 2020)
To smoothen the transition, the source said Seacrest has been in 'full Mr. Nice Guy mode, putting on the charm, lavishing Vanna [White] and everyone else on the show with his homemade cooking, bringing treats.'
The publication also claimed that the media mogul has been 'making a huge effort with Vanna and trying to win favor by taking her out to dinner and trying to get through any lingering tensions they've got.'
Despite his efforts, he has reportedly been struggling to 'build a connection' with White, who worked with Sajak on Wheel of Fortune for more than 40 years.
The longtime television presenter first began hosting the the iconic game show in 1981, taking over from outgoing compere Chuck Woolery.
Between 1981 to 2024, Sajak hosted more than 8000 episodes over 41 seasons.
Earlier this month, White broke her silence over the rumors that she 'doesn't jibe' with Seacrest as she posted a photo of them dining together.
'Friends on and off camera. Enjoying one of our favorites, Chicken and Dumplings!' she captioned the snap.
Her post came weeks after a source told DailyMail.com that Vanna was mulling the prospect of leaving the show before her two-year contract expires.
Although it initially seemed he was happy to hand over the reins to Ryan Seacrest, sources are now claiming that the Chicago native, 77, was actually pushed out by the network
Following his 'forced' departure, the television personality is said to be dodging Seacrest, 49, as he is 'resentful of the way he was treated and then kicked off the show'
'Vanna is retiring from the show when her contract ends, but there is a part of her that wants to walk away sooner,' a show insider said.
'It is just so difficult to do this without Pat. She just doesn't jibe with Ryan like she did with Pat, and no one really ever expected her to. There is just no way that she possibly could,' the source explained.
'Vanna feels that she has put her time in. She devoted her entire life to this show and she had an incredible run while making a fortune,' the insider added.
'She knows that the show needs to go in a different direction and appeal to a younger demographic. She wants the show to continue. This will require a younger female host, someone who can be to Ryan what she was to Pat.'
In an emotional video released the night before Pat's final episode aired, Vanna tearfully remarked: 'I can't believe that tomorrow is our last show together.'
The South Carolina native went on: 'I don't know how to put into words what these past 41 years have meant to me, but I'm going to try.'
'Ryan can reach out to Pat if he wants but asking isn't getting. Pat's always going to be busy, or he'll brush Ryan off with a neutral, "You got this." When Ryan takes over, Pat's going to be watching and enjoying seeing how he fares in the hot seat which is full of challenges and not nearly as easy as he might think,' an insider told The Mirror
She fondly recalled: 'As the years have gone by, we've grown up on television, but we've also shared so much more behind the scenes.'
Vanna noted that 'as much fun as we had on camera, those memories, milestones and life events we shared with our families outside the studio are my favorite.'
When Pat's last episode aired in early June, he responded with a heartwarming tribute to Vanna and their decades of work together.
'Finally, to my professional other half, dear Vanna. Like me, she takes the show very seriously but not herself. I shudder to think what these 40-plus years might have been like had they brought someone in all full of themselves, playing the prima donna role. Vanna is as sweet and unassuming as she seems,' said Pat.
Earlier this month, Vanna White broke her silence over the rumors that she 'doesn't jibe' with Seacrest as she posted a photo of them dining together
'We've seen a lot of changes in each other's lives over the years, but we've always been there for each other. I want to thank her for her lovely goodbye on yesterday's show, and while I'll very much miss working with her, I take solace in the fact that we live about five miles apart, so we'll see plenty of each other.'
He confessed however that he would 'miss our nightly closes and her laughter and her good nature. She's a very special woman. And I know you're all pleased to know that she'll be back next season.'
At the end of the episode, Vanna crossed the stage to Pat and wrapped him in an embrace, sharing a private chat with him that was drowned out by the exit music.
Pat announced in June 2023 that his 'wonderful ride' on Wheel Of Fortune would be coming to an end this year after his 41st season.
'I’d rather leave a couple of years too early than a couple of years too late,' he later told his daughter Maggie on Good Morning America.
Following his departure, Pat will remain involved with the show for another three years as a consultant, according to Sony Pictures Television's executive vice president of game shows Suzanne Prete.
Additionally, he's returning to host another season of Celerity Wheel Of Fortune.