It’s official: Vanna White will remain co-host Wheel of Fortune even after Pat Sajak leaves at the end of the final season, which kicked off this week.
White has “extended her contract for another two years, keeping her revealing letters on the iconic puzzle board through the 2025-2026 season,” show representatives said in a statement Tuesday.
Just two months ago, TMZ reported that negotiations between White and the show had been put on hold due to the writers’ strike. However, the prospects were not good as White was reportedly looking for a higher salary after Puck reported in June that she had not received a raise in eighteen years and was paid a fraction of what Sajak earned. Nevertheless, the two sides came to an agreement in July that she would remain on the celebrity edition of Wheel but her longer-term future on the syndicated daily program was still up in the air.
Although White had previously hosted Sajak, it was Ryan Seacrest who was named Sajak’s heir apparent in June. The American Idol When the news was announced, the host said he couldn’t wait to continue the traditions of “spinning the wheel and working with the great Vanna White.”
He also said he looked forward to learning everything he could from Sajak during the transition.
On Tuesday, Seacrest revealed the advice he’s received so far from Sajak, who Seacrest said is “so good at that job.”
“He just said, ‘You’re going to have a great time. It’s so much fun. What’s better than giving away money and doing that every night?'” Seacrest said. Entertainment tonight. “I can’t wait to meet the participants and do it.”
Before they delve deeper into the lessons, however, Seacrest plans to let Sajak enjoy his final episodes.
“He’s enjoying his senior season,” Seacrest said. “I’ll start next year.”
Seacrest, who raved about the “legend,” acknowledged that Sajak will be an advisor Wheel of Fortune for three years after he leaves as host.
“So yeah, he’ll be the boss of me,” he joked. “Why not? I think he deserves that, yes.”
