Entertainment

Will Ryan Seacrest ever actually retire after ‘Wheel of Fortune’?

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Ryan Seacrest is not slowing down anytime soon.

The 49-year-old TV personality revealed that he once considered taking a break from work before being tapped to replace Pat Sajak on “Wheel of Fortune,” which he will take over once Sajak retires in mid-2024.

“I’m beyond excited. I mean, Pat Sajak is a legend. No one can replace him,” Seacrest said Friday on “Good Morning America.”

“Vanna White, she’s become a dear friend. I’m so much looking forward to being onstage with her. And I love the show and giving away cash and prizes every single night in America’s living rooms is the greatest job.”

His new gig was announced in June.

I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said in a statement 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.


Ryan Seacrest Jokes He Plans to ‘Postpone Retirement’ Ahead of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Debut
Ryan Seacrest at iHeartRadio 102.7 KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball in 2023. Getty Images for iHeartRadio

“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.”

The longtime “American Idol” host also emcees a daily syndicated iHeartRadio show and is gearing up to host “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” for the 19th year. After six years, he left “Live With Kelly and Ryan” in February.

“I’m very excited about that and fortunately I signed a deal to stay on the radio with iHeartRadio for a few more years, so I will postpone retirement,” Seacrest revealed on Friday. “I thought after ‘Live With Kelly and Ryan’ I was going to take a break, but why?”

Seacrest previously gushed about his “Wheel” role to People.


Ryan Seacrest Jokes He Plans to ‘Postpone Retirement’ Ahead of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Debut
Seacrest has hosted “American Idol” since its launch in 2002. ABC

“With this game show, it’s such a success and has been for generations,” he explained in September. “You don’t mess with it, just don’t mess with it. Just get out of the way, say ‘Good evening’ and let’s play.”

But Sajak said a little more than that in a fiery exchange with a contestant on the Christmas episode of the show.

Player Jill failed to complete the bonus round puzzle and then complained, “What kind of puzzle is that?”

“It’s a puzzle you didn’t solve,” Sajak quipped, adding, “It’s getting testy here on Christmas.”

Seacrest returns to host the 22nd season of “American Idol” on Feb. 18.

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