Ryan Seacrest Talks Hosting ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ As Pat Sajak’s Days Are Limited

Ryan Seacrest is opening up about the pressure he is feeling about taking over Pat Sajak’s hosting duties on ‘Wheel Of Fortune’.

With Sajak’s days dwindling down, Seacrest is preparing to work alongsideVanna White to give out free cash and prizes to thousands of contestants. But like with any other job, Seacrest has to prepare to take on such an iconic role.

“Well, the time has come,” he said in a statement last summer. “I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Thanks to you all.”

Shortly after the announcement, the network revealed that ‘American Idol’ host Ryan Seacrest will be replacing Sajak on “America’s Game.” Pat Sajak has filmed his final show on the ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ set, with his last episode set to air on Friday, June 7.

Filming will pick back up for the next season in September 2024, and with just months to prep, Ryan Seacrest is opening up about what the experience will be like.

“Well, no one can ever do what Pat has done. He is incredible,” Seacrest told People earlier this week. “He has made that show just something so very special for so long, and he has done such a seamless, remarkable job, so no one can be him.”

“So do I feel pressure? Sure,” he admitted. “People love watching him. I want them to keep love watching it, and I hope to do a great job as well.”

“I’ve been watching the show all my life, and I’ve been watching it as much as I can as an adult and as a child,” Seacrest admitted.

“I think that this is a show that means so much to a lot of people. It’s a part of their lives, they like to get together at the end of the day and try and solve the puzzles. And for me, it’s a chance to give away cash and prizes and work with the legendary Vanna White,” the former executive producer of ‘Live’ added.

Speaking of Vanna White, the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ letter-turner previously said she spoke with Seacrest after learning he would be taking over. “I know Ryan — he is professional, he’s good at what he does, he’s kind. I think it’s going to be good. He’s such a nice guy and he loves what he does,” she said last year.

The 67-year-old told the outlet that Seacrest isn’t looking to be Sajak’s replacement, but rather help the show go on.

“He said, ‘Look, I am not replacing Pat. I’m not going in to try to fill Pat’s shoes. No one can ever replace him.’ He says he’s coming in to do a good job and to keep the show going, and I’m looking forward to working with him,” White said.

“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” the ‘American Idol’ host said at the time. “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.

“Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease,” he continued. “I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.”

While details remain under wraps, reports have previously stated that there is a “substantial pay increase” in the new deal, from the $3 million per year she was making for nearly 2 decades.