Seacrest is IN — but is White out?
Ryan Seacrest was announced as Pat Sajak’s replacement on “Wheel of Fortune” Tuesday following the veteran host’s announcement that he’ll exit the game show next year.
However, it remains to be seen whether Sajak’s longtime letter-turning companion, Vanna White, 66, will be joining Seacrest on the revamped program.
White, who has appeared on “Wheel” since 1982, has reportedly lawyered up in the wake of Sajak’s retirement amid claims she hasn’t had a pay rise in 18 years.
According to Puck News, White has been making around $3 million a year since 2005 and has only received bonuses, not raises, during that time period,
Sajak, 76, is purportedly paid far more handsomely for his duties. In 2016, Forbes reported that he earned $15 million a year from the show.
Now, White is said to have hired “aggressive” powerhouse attorney Bryan Freedman, who has represented a slew of Hollywood heavyweights during their disputes with networks.
Freedman previously represented embattled short-lived “Jeopardy!” host Mike Richards. It’s also been reported that Freedman has been retained by Don Lemon following his acrimonious ouster from CNN.
“Wheel of Fortune” is produced by Sony Pictures Television, with Freedman allegedly set to “hit the pay discrepancy issue hard” with the company, “as well as possible gender discrimination with respect to White’s salary.”
White’s contract is reportedly up at the end of the 2023 – 2024 season, and she’s reportedly hoping to secure a big payday should she stay on the show.
It’s unclear how much Seacrest, 48, will be paid for his hosting gig. He will also serve as a consulting producer on the show, according to a statement from Sony on Tuesday.
The Post has reached out to “Wheel of Fortune” as well as reps for White and Seacrest for comment.
The announcement of Seacrest as the new host comes after an unidentified insider allegedly told the Daily Mail last week that White is scared she’ll be “forced out” of her role once Sajak retires at the end of the 2023-2024 season.
The duo have been the faces of “Wheel” for more than 40 years, as Sajak joined the show in 1981 while White came aboard one year later.
White has not yet broken her silence on Seacrest’s casting.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said in a statement on Tuesday officially confirming that he will take on hosting duties.
“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.
“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.”
He implied that White would be remaining on the program, stating: “I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Sajak announced two weeks ago that he would be retiring after 41 years and that the next season of the beloved game show will be his last.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he tweeted. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
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