Vanna White has co-hosted Wheel of Fortune for over forty years. Sadly, disturbing new reports indicate that her days on the popular game show could be numbered.
Vanna In Trouble
Insiders told Yahoo News that Wheel of Fortune executives want to “lock in” Ryan Seacrest, 49, as the permanent host.
“Ryan has more than proven himself as a worthy successor to Pat [Sajak] and more importantly, as somebody who can bring new fans into the Wheel franchise,” one insider said. “His numbers are holding up and that’s triggering a renegotiation as Sony TV looks to lock Ryan in for more than just his initial two-year deal.”
So how does that affect Vanna? Well, the source went on to say that Vanna “is not a part of Ryan’s renegotiation at all.”
This insider added that Vanna, 67, negotiated her current deal “around the same time Pat decided to step down from the syndicated version of the show.”
While Vanna is the “heart of Wheel of Fortune in a lot of ways,” Ryan “is the one with the leverage.” He reportedly wants to become “one of the highest-paid game show hosts in history because of the results he’s delivered so far.”
While not all fans have been impressed, apparently the ratings don’t lie.
Related: Vanna White Forced To Step In After Ryan Seacrest Flubs On ‘Wheel Of Fortune’
Ryan Can ‘Do What He Wants’
Another source said that Ryan can “do what he wants” if “numbers are high.”
“If he wants to push Vanna out, it’s possible he’ll get the green light,” this source continued. “It’s no secret it annoys him that she’s been sneaking off for lunches with Pat Sajak. He’s going to act charming but ultimately people know he’s as ruthless as they come.”
“For the time being, Vanna is staying with the show but the suddenly increased viewership is enough to make her question the deal she’s been under,” the insider explained. “She’s going to have a front-row seat watching Ryan get a giant raise and a long-term commitment from the studio. Everybody expects that she’ll follow suit and ask for more money sooner rather than later.”
Pat, 78, hosted Wheel of Fortune from 1981 until he retired earlier this year. Vanna has co-hosted the game show since 1982. Last year, just before Pat left, Vanna renegotiated her contract to have her making approximate $3 million per year on Wheel of Fortune. Prior to that, she had not received a pay raise in nearly 18 years.
Vanna Staying On Wheel Of Fortune Through 2026
Vanna’s new deal has her staying on the show through 2026. It is unclear what her fate on Wheel of Fortune will be after that, however.
“I’m just so happy that I have signed for two more years,” Vanna said in October of 2023. “I have this next year with Pat, and then I have two years after that, so I will be part of Wheel of Fortune, at least through 2026.”
Vanna has been one of the most beloved parts of Wheel of Fortune for decades. We can only hope that the game show bosses realize this and decide to keep her on. After all, Wheel of Fortune simply would not be the same without Vanna White!
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