Vanna White Officially Extends Wheel of Fortune Contract

Vanna White isn't ready to hang up her ballgowns just yet. 

The longtime Wheel of Fortune co-host has reportedly extended her contract by two years, the series confirmed in a press release Sept. 19, ensuring she'll remain in her crucial, letter revealing role through the 2025-26 season.

The news of her extension also promises some continuity at a time of much change at the iconic game show, as longtime host Pat Sajak will stop spinning the wheel after its current season.

"Well, the time has come," he said in a statement to E! News on June 12. "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. Many thanks to you all."

Pat and Vanna made their debut on the nightly version of the syndicated show together in 1983. And while Pat has rarely missed a taping during his tenure, Vanna has filled in for him on occasion. Once in 1996, she stepped in to host the bonus round when Pat's laryngitis prevented him from doing so, and again in November 2019 when the 76-year-old stepped back from his hosting duties to recover from emergency intestinal surgery. 

So while Vanna will continue to be there as contestants buy a vowel or two in seasons to come, she'll do so alongside a new host. In fact, joining her for season 42 is none other than American Idol host Ryan Seacrest. 

The 48-year-old will step up to the plate, or rather, the wheel, beginning next fall. And he confirmed his new gig shortly after Pat announced his retirement. 

"I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Ryan tweeted June 27. "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."

The former Live! host, who called his new role a "full circle moment" as he got his start hosting the game show Click more than two decades ago, also paid special tribute to his predecessor.

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

And of working with Vanna, he concluded, "I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White."

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