Ryan Seacrest’s dream of hosting with Vanna White is finally coming true after it was announced that White, 66, extended her contract with “Wheel of Fortune” through 2026.
According to TMZ, White got a “substantial pay increase” with the deal.
Incoming “Wheel of Fortune” host Ryan Seacrest revealed last week that he hoped to work with her on the ABC show.
“I love Vanna White,” Seacrest, 48, told Fortune Magazine. “I’ve known Vanna for a long time. We sat in important places next to each other. And I hope for nothing more than to be able to walk out on that stage and host with her.”
White — who makes $3 million a season — had reportedly been seeking a raise from the show’s producers, claiming that she only received bonuses for the last 18 years.
She reportedly “lawyered up” and was asking for half of current host Pat Sajak’s $15 million a year salary.
“After 41 years as a model employee and more the face of that show than [Pat], asking for 50% of what he makes seems like a no-brainer,” a source close to White told TMZ.
The insider also claimed that Sony had been “very difficult” amid the discussions.
White’s sudden decision to lawyer up came after a source told the Daily Mail that she feared being let go from the series after Sajak’s upcoming exit.
“The next year is going to be quite the ride and Vanna wants to be a part of it all even after he leaves, and she hopes they don’t force her out,” a source close to White told the outlet.
The source later stated that White — despite being temporarily replaced — had no desire to leave the long-running show despite her initial contract ending in 2024.
“Vanna doesn’t want to leave ‘Wheel of Fortune’ even after Pat’s announcement of retirement, and she would highly consider taking over his role as host on the show,” the anonymous source claimed.
Appearing on “Good Morning America” on Monday, Seacrest enthusiastically told anchors Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos how excited he was to take over for Sajak for when he retires in 2024.
“Pat is a legend, but coming in there and give a lot of money to these contestants really is the best part of the whole thing,” gushed Seacrest.
The “American Idol” judge has even already started practicing in front of his dog.
“I’m shouting out the puzzles and my dog is staring at me,” laughed the host. “I’m also practicing the hosting part in my living room just to make sure I have the rules down.”
Seacrest’s comments came mere days after the first episode of Sajak’s final season was interrupted by the pregame show for Monday night football ahead of the Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets game.
Sajak, 76, announced in June that his final spin at the syndicated game show would conclude with the show’s 41st season.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last, the game show host tweeted. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Sajak has hosted “Wheel” since 1981, while his trusty letter-turner White joined the show a year later.
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