Wheel Of Fortune star Vanna White breaks her silence on rumors of a FEUD with new host Ryan Seacrest
- Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com
Wheel Of Fortune star Vanna White has finally addressed the rumors that she 'doesn't jibe' with new host Ryan Seacrest.
Pat Sajak, who began hosting the iconic game show in 1981, retired this year and signed off with a glowing testimonial to 'my professional other half, dear Vanna.'
Vanna, who has been flipping the cards on the program since 1982, was reduced to tears during her own touching farewell message to Pat.
Ryan will take over hosting duties in September, but a source recently informed DailyMail.com he has been unable to establish the rapport with Vanna that Pat had.
Now, in a striking new Instagram post uploaded on Tuesday, the 67-year-old blonde has made her true feelings about Ryan clear.
Wheel Of Fortune star Vanna White (left) has finally addressed the rumors that she 'doesn't jibe' with new host Ryan Seacrest (right)
Vanna put up a snap of her and Ryan enjoying a one-on-one dinner, writing: 'Friends on and off camera. Enjoying one of our favorites, Chicken and Dumplings!'
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.
'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.'
Vanna posted a snap Tuesday of her and Ryan enjoying a one-on-one dinner, writing: 'Friends on and off camera,' and adding: 'Enjoying one of our favorites, Chicken and Dumplings!'
Pat Sajak, who began hosting the iconic game show in 1981, retired this year and signed off with a testimonial to 'my professional other half, dear Vanna'; both pictured on his last episode
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; pictured on the show in 2022
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.
'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.
Vanna, who has been flipping the cards on the program since 1982, was reduced to tears during her own touching farewell message to Pat
Ryan will take over hosting duties in September, but a source recently informed DailyMail.com he has been unable to establish the rapport with Vanna that Pat had
'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.
Vanna's contract negotiations to return were reportedly briefly held up, amid claims that she was angling for a higher salary.
However last September it emerged that she too had signed a deal, and will remain in her spot on Wheel Of Fortune through the 2025-2026 season.
Ryan will assume Pat's previous hosting duties this September, and last year gave an interview in which he expressed his excitement about the role.
'Of course, being next to Vanna, she's a legend. She's an icon,' he told E! News in December. 'We spent a little shooting some promos for next season, and she's just so down to earth. She's exactly what you would expect.'
Ryan gushed: 'It's just so exciting to think about being on that set. I've watched the show for so many decades. I'm a fan of the show, and the game is the star.'
