LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Speculation is on the rise regarding the future of Vanna White, following the announcement of long-time 'Wheel of Fortune' host Pat Sajak, 76, planning to retire after Season 41 in September. Fans quickly rallied behind White, 66, advocating for her to assume the hosting position. However, sources indicate that White herself holds concerns about her continued involvement with the show, fearing the potential of being fired.
Sajak announced his retirement on Twitter on June 12, saying, "I've decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last." White, who joined the game show in 1982, a year after Sajak did in 1981, reacted to the news, saying, "When we started @WheelofFortune who could have imagined we’d still be at it 41 seasons later? I couldn’t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years with one more to come." White concluded her tribute by saying, "Cheers to you, @patsajak!"
She hopes they don’t force her out
As speculation swirls regarding the potential successor to Sajak on 'Wheel of Fortune', White finds herself grappling with uncertainties about her own future on the long-running game show. "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 alleged told the Daily Mail on Tuesday, June 13.
Vanna doesn’t want to leave
Despite her concerns about potential changes to her role, insiders assert that White remains dedicated to the game show. The source further reveals that White has no intention of departing from 'Wheel of Fortune,' having been a part of it for 41 years. "Vanna doesn't want to leave 'Wheel of Fortune' even after Pat's retirement announcement and would seriously consider taking over as host," the insider claims. Additionally, the insider states that White is in it for the long haul and would like to be involved in the selection process for Pat's successor because, if it were up to her, she would stay on the show indefinitely. According to the outlet, her contract for the game show expires in 2024.
With an impressive tenure of over 40 years, Sajak and White have earned the distinction of being one of the longest-serving hosts of any television program in the game show genre. As the beloved co-hosts of the Emmy-winning game show 'Wheel of Fortune,' they have captivated audiences and guided contestants through countless episodes. Following the announcement of Sajak's impending retirement, White has not made any public statements about her own future on the show.
Throughout her years on the program, White has skillfully turned letters on the iconic game board while also engaging in playful banter with Sajak, adding to the show's dynamic and entertainment value. At this time, the question of what lies ahead for White at 'Wheel of Fortune' remains unanswered.