Look out, Vanna White. Ryan Seacrest may want to make some changes on Wheel of Fortune.
Ryan has some extra pep since taking over Pat Sajak’s hosting position at Sony Pictures Studios.
That’s because the TV icon has boosted Wheel of Fortune’s ratings since his September 2024 debut, and he’s feeling like the “game show golden boy.”
Ryan’s presence on stage alongside Vanna has brought in millions upon millions of viewers, and an insider says the 49-year-old is walking around with a “huge swagger” because of it.
Speaking with Closer Weekly, a source says Ryan Seacrest feels like the top dog and wants to use his rating power to “improve the flow of the show.”
The Wheel of Fortune tipster also claimed that Ryan’s newfound success means that the job of his co-star Vanna White is potentially on the line.
“He’s giving people more responsibility, and the fear is it puts Vanna in more peril even if she doesn’t realize it,” says the insider.
“They both play nice, but make no mistake; he’s the one getting all the credit here,” they added.
Is Ryan pushing to replace Vanna White?
Ryan’s impressive numbers mean he could find a replacement for Vanna, possibly a “younger, more modern hostess.”
“The pressure is on to keep the numbers up, and what Ryan’s brilliant at is flogging people around him to do his bidding,” alleged the unidentified person in the know.
Ryan can “do what he wants” as long as he keeps his numbers where they are, and that reportedly means getting rid of Vanna despite her recent contract deal.
Ryan is also apparently irked that Vanna has been “sneaking off” to have lunch with her former, longtime co-worker, Pat Sajak.
Sources say Ryan acts as though it doesn’t bother him, but deep down, he’s not happy about it.
“He’s going to act charming, but ultimately, people know he’s as ruthless as they come,” they stated.
Vanna isn’t willing to give up her friendship with Pat Sajak or her job
During an interview with Parade last month, Vanna told the publication, “We’re friends, and we’ll remain friends, and we’ll still go out to dinner and hang out for sure.”
Ryan may be scheming behind the scenes to push Vanna out and bring in a new hostess, but Vanna isn’t ready to go anywhere.
Rather than retiring alongside Pat earlier this year, Vanna opted to stay on board at Wheel of Fortune.
Vanna told Parade that working at Sony Pictures Studios is an “escape” for her.
“I love being part of that,” she admitted. “So I’m not ready to leave.”
If Ryan gets rid of Vanna then he will be cutting off his nose to please his face and his precious ratings will fall like a rock.
Ryan if you want your numbers to remain high, leave Vanna alone! Don’t let ego overtake good sense!🤔
I think Pat Sajak’s beautiful daughter would be a good replacement for Vanna.
I would have thought she would have retired along with Pat Sajak
The numbers were high because they had big time Money for people to win at home
I don’t know who chose Ryan seacrest to replace Pat Sajak, but it was a horrible decision. I find him irritating, and many times his clothes don’t even fit properly, and they’re ugly
If Vanna leaves, so do a lot of your viewers, including me. Ryan AND Vanna make the show good! He shouldn’t get too cocky.
I’m not a fan of Seacrest. That being said, Ryan had better check the fine print on his contract. I for one am a big fan of Vanna White. If any changes include removing Vanna from the program, then you can count one less of watching Wheel Of Fortune. Not only me, but many more. Ryan is not as great as he thinks.
Hate the set it’s just garish and one needs to focus on the board to figure out the puzzle but all the gold and the glitz make it difficult. Leave Vanna alone she has worked there so long and is an icon