Ryan Seacrest was “scared to death” to take over Wheel of Fortune after the retirement of Pat Sajak.
The TV personality, 49, shared the same while speaking at a conference Wheel of Fortune staff and crew holiday lunch. Seacrest posted a series of photos and videos from the special anniversary celebration on his Instagram account on Friday, December 20.
In one video, Seacrest looks right at home, playfully teasing Vanna White by claiming she wanted to play a Christmas song for everyone at lunch. Then he began, “I just wanted to thank you for welcoming me into this family. To follow in her footsteps.” [Maggie Sajak’s] a father who is a legend, who is incredible at what he does and what he and Vanna have built over the years… I was scared to death.”
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“I was nervous about how it was going to turn out, nervous about stepping into something that was just as successful,” Seacrest continued. “And it’s the most exciting time I’ve ever had on the job. I hope it shows. But I’m so thankful for the military that puts this show on, the number one show on television, . . .”
Besides the sweet video, American Idol the host shared a picture posing alongside White, who was wearing a sparkly black hoodie that read “Very Hilarious.” The two joked around in another video as they browsed the options at the lunch buffet.
“Two of my favorite words: ‘vacation’ + ‘lunch,'” gushed Seacrest in the Instagram caption. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year with the most amazing staff and crew @wheeloffortune.” It was likely Seacrest’s first time experiencing the show’s holiday tradition, as he joined the cast in September Wheel of Fortune42nd season.
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Seacrest took over for Pat after he left in June after 41 seasons hosting the show. Pat’s daughter Maggie (who was also at the luncheon) still works with the game show as a social correspondent.
A holiday gathering follows Wheel of Fortune fans threw some shade at Seacrest online, blaming him when contestant Phil McManus seemingly forgot he could buy a vowel. Fans thought Seacrest should have reminded him, but instead, McManus guessed the “W” wrong and lost the $13,000 he’d collected thanks to the wild card wedge.
Some fan criticism aside, Seacrest was well received in the ratings. In your first month as a host, Wheel of Fortune brought in 7.99 million viewers, making it “the most-watched entertainment series across broadcast, cable and syndication” in that time period.
