Why Vanna White will be missing from ‘Wheel of Fortune’ this season: report

The wheel retains on turnin’ — even with out Vanna White.

Puck News reported Friday that White, 66, isn’t working the present’s annual “Academics Week” this season after being identified with COVID-19 — her absence coinciding along with her ongoing contract negotiations.

The longtime letter-turner reportedly contracted the virus in late July whereas “Wheel of Fortune” taped its trainer episodes, that are scheduled to air in October. Now a supply is explaining why filming couldn’t wait till White received higher.

“Academics had already arrived in L.A. to tape the episodes and, with the tutorial faculty yr beginning, it was not possible to reschedule that day,” an unidentified supply told TVLine final week.

“In line with the ‘Academics Week’ theme… [California-based ‘Teacher of the Year’ recipient] Bridgette Donald-Blue graciously agreed fill in for Vanna for these 5 episodes.”

The Submit reached out to “Wheel” and White representatives for remark.

The supply claimed producers have been capable of reschedule filming on the next day, that means that White’s absence will solely span one TV week as an alternative of two.

The information comes months after longtime “Wheel” host Pat Sajak, 76, introduced his retirement in June.

Ryan Seacrest, 48, has been named his successor.

It’s unclear what White’s function will probably be upon Sajak’s exit.

Based on a June report by Puck News, White hasn’t acquired a increase in 18 years.

It’s been reported that White is in the course of critical wage negotiations, hiring high-powered “aggressive” lawyer Bryan Freedman to dealer the deal.

He has represented a slew of Hollywood heavyweights, together with short-lived “Jeopardy!” host Mike Richards.

White has been with the present since 1982.

Puck Information reported she has been making $3 million a yr since 2005, whereas a 2016 report from Forbes alleged that Sajak cashes in a hefty $15 million a yr.

Whereas one report claimed White was holding out for half of Sajak’s wage, one other supply lately disputed that assertion.

“50% of Pat’s wage is so outrageous that nobody of their proper thoughts may say that it’s honest,” the unidentified insider told People final month.

“The negotiation is asking for far more than 50% of his wage. It’s asking for a similar pay — if no more.”

White has stayed mum on the rumors, together with final month when she hopped aboard TMZ’s celebrity bus tour along with her son, Nikko, in Beverly Hills.

The outlet captured her greeting riders, with one asking if she could be coming again to “Wheel.”

She merely laughed and smiled, telling all of them, “Time to say goodbye,” as she exited the car.