Ryan Seacrest Says He's a ‘Kid in a Candy Store’ After Landing 'Wheel of Fortune' Gig (Exclusive)

Mark Gray

23 September 2023 at 10:50 am·3-min read

"I grew up watching the show," Seacrest said

<p>David Becker/Getty Images for iHeartRadio</p> Ryan Seacrest — David Becker/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest knows he has one job to do when he takes over hosting duties of Wheel of Fortune after Pat Sajak’s retirement: Don’t mess with the formula.

“With this game show, it's such a success and has been for generations,” Seacrest, 48, told PEOPLE at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas on Friday. “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.”

“I think I have so much adrenaline rushing through my body. Excitement is the word because it's such a phenomenal show,” he added. “I've been a fan. I grew up watching the show. and I can't wait to take over after the legendary Pat Sajak.”

Sajak, 76, will still helm the show for one more season before Seacrest takes the reins. The gig comes after the radio host left Live with Kelly and Ryan in April, a show he co-hosted for nearly six years.

“It was a good time to go, and then fortunately a couple of weeks later, this other great opportunity came to fruition,” he said, referring to Wheel of Fortune. “I'm a kid in a candy store.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Wheel of Fortune's current 41st season, which kicked off earlier this month, will be Sajak’s last. He announced in June that he would retire after the show’s 41st season and shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he’d had a “wonderful ride.”

The following month, Sony Pictures Television confirmed Seacrest as Sajak's replacement.

Earlier this week, Seacrest said he is “very excited” that Vanna White will be joining him when he takes over the reins at Wheel of Fortune.

“This is such great news,” Seacrest said while pre-taping an appearance for Sunday Today with Willie Geist, a sneak peek of which aired onToday Wednesday. “Vanna has been such a staple on that show and in our living rooms for so many years. I have been very excited to work with her, but now that it's official, I can say, 'Congratulations Vanna! I can't wait.' ”

<p>Middlesworth/ABC via Getty Images</p> Vanna White, Pat Sajak — Middlesworth/ABC via Getty Images
Vanna White, Pat Sajak

White has been on Wheel of Fortune for over 40 years, having joined the game show in 1982. A source with knowledge of White's negotiations previously told PEOPLE that she was seeking a pay increase and pay parity with Sajak after earning approximately $3 million a year for the 18 past years without any increases.

Continuing to chat with PEOPLE at the iHeartRadio Music Festival, Seacrest spoke candidly about his relationship with White, 66.

"We text recently and she's the most lovely person,” the American Idol host said. “We've known each other for a long time, and I think we both feel excitement about all of this."

He added, "And also, just to watch Pat and Vanna celebrate their final year together after 40-plus years co-hosting that show, it's history in the making.”

Wheel of Fortune airs weeknights in syndication (check local listings).

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.

Australian Associated Press
French oppose World Rugby's 20-minute red card proposal
World Rugby's plan for to dismissed players to be replaced after 20 minutes elapses has met with opposition in France with player safety cited as a concern.
Australian Associated Press
Putin ordered Novichok attack, spy tells UK inquiry
An ex-Russian double agent who was found slumped on a UK bench says his Novichok poisoning must have been sanctioned by President Vladimir Putin.
Australian Associated Press
Pakistan insist they have plan to level England series
Pakistan have insisted "there is a plan" as they attempt to level the series against England after a humbling first Test loss on the same Multan wicket.
Australian Associated Press
New Zealand take 4-0 America's Cup lead over British
Defending champions Team New Zealand have taken a 4-0 lead over the British challengers in the first-to-seven America's Cup series off Barcelona.
Australian Associated Press
Pause put on three-way AFL trade featuring Houston
The first big deal of the AFL trade period was stopped on Monday night, with Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston still in limbo as Wednesday's deadline looms.
Australian Associated Press
Socceroos out to defy history in Japan blockbuster
Coach Tony Popovic says a drought-breaking Socceroos victory in Japan would make him smile as much as their 2006 World Cup win over the Samurai Blue.
Australian Associated Press
Leaders crumb over texts as early voting kicks off
A "Mediscare" text campaign has been launched by the opposition before the first ballots were cast for the Queensland election.
Australian Associated Press
Interstate ferry fiasco claims Liberal deputy leader
The deputy premier of Tasmania's minority Liberal government has resigned from cabinet over ferry delays and cost blowouts.
Australian Associated Press
Gold Coast's McLaughlin banned for one game in AFLW
Niamh McLaughlin faces a one-game suspension after she was charged with rough conduct for her dangerous tackle on Brisbane forward Sophie Conway.
Australian Associated Press
Humanitarian aid to Myanmar people amid junta brutality
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has reaffirmed Australia's support for the people of Myanmar who continue to suffer under the oppressive rule of the military junta.
Australian Associated Press
'Lasting change' needed one year from referendum defeat
One year on from the voice referendum defeat the prime minister says the government is focused on "practical reconciliation".
Australian Associated Press
Serial rapist banned from owning horses
A serial rapist will be monitored and banned from owning or taking care of animals, as he faces bestiality charges following his release from jail.
Australian Associated Press
Jarryd Hayne joins Fiji's Pacific Championships staff
Jarryd Hayne has landed his first rugby league gig since having a sexual assault conviction overturned.
Australian Associated Press
Counting to 100: Labor insist preschool target on track
Labor is adamant it can open 100 public pre-schools by 2027 but critics are sceptical given the time taken to open the first.
Australian Associated Press
Accused neo-Nazi marcher denies inciting racial hate
A young man accused of taking part in a neo-Nazi march in Brisbane's CBD has denied a charge that he incited others to engage in racial vilification.
Australian Associated Press
NZ's coalition in poll control but Luxon doubts linger
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon hopes tough economic times - which he blames Labour for - are behind his government's lack of a polling honeymoon.
Australian Associated Press
Matt Renshaw's hopes of Test recall take a hit
Sam Konstas, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft have all beaten Matt Renshaw for selection in the Australia A squad to face India A this summer.
Australian Associated Press
Conservative in court win over book classification
Gender Queer was classified as unrestricted by a board which incorrectly said those against the graphic book were "broadly anti-LGBTQIA+," a court has found.
Australian Associated Press
Cycling star Brown caps dream final season with win
Australian cycling star Grace Brown has won her final race, capping a dream swansong season that featured Olympic and world titles, plus a classics triumph.
Australian Associated Press
Past failures 'redundant' as Stajcic targets WSW glory
Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Alen Stajcic believes his side can take out the A-League Men championship after nearly a decade without silverware.

Latest stories