Pat Sajak, Ryan Seacrest's 'Wheel of Fortune' forerunner, excited to 'pass the torch'

Pat Sajak to leave "Wheel of Fortune," Ryan Seacrest named successor.

In a surprising turn of events, Pat Sajak, the iconic host of the long-running game show "Wheel of Fortune," has announced his departure after an impressive 41 seasons. Sajak took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the naming of his successor, revealing that his final season will begin this fall and that he will be passing the torch to none other than Ryan Seacrest in September of 2024.

The official announcement came from the "Wheel of Fortune" Twitter account, declaring Seacrest as the new host. The tweet read, "It's official! Starting in 2024 @RyanSeacrest will take the stage as the new host of Wheel of Fortune. We're so excited - Welcome Ryan!"

Seacrest, known for his extensive hosting experience on shows like "American Idol" and "Live with Kelly and Ryan," expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to follow in Sajak's footsteps. In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, Seacrest said, "I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak. 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."

Seacrest also took a moment to acknowledge Sajak's unique ability to connect with contestants and viewers alike. He said, "Pat, I love the way you've always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition."

The news of Seacrest taking over as host of "Wheel of Fortune" prompted various reactions from the entertainment industry. "Jeopardy!" host Mayim Bialik shared her "weird" response on her Instagram story, jokingly expressing her intention to "creep" on Seacrest and offer to clean his dressing room.

In his statement, Seacrest also revealed that Vanna White, Sajak's longtime co-host, will continue to be a part of the show. He expressed his excitement to work alongside her, saying, "I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White."

This announcement comes just two weeks after Sajak himself revealed that he would not be returning to "Wheel of Fortune" for the 2024 season, marking the end of an era for the beloved game show.

Before becoming a household name, Seacrest had the opportunity to learn from broadcasting legend Dick Clark, who played a significant role in launching his career. Seacrest has since become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, hosting multiple shows across various platforms and working as a producer behind the scenes. His estimated net worth stands at an impressive $450 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

As fans eagerly anticipate the transition and the start of Seacrest's tenure as host, it remains to be seen how he will bring his own unique style to the iconic game show. One thing is for sure, though – the legacy left by Pat Sajak after 41 seasons will not be forgotten.

Tracy Wright from Fox News Digital contributed to this report.

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