Ryan Seacrest's 'Wheel of Fortune' debut omitted Pat Sajak's name after ex-host was seen with Vanna White.

Pat Sajak was replaced as the host of 'Wheel of Fortune' by Ryan Seacrest.

Ryan Seacrest's 'Wheel of Fortune' debut omitted Pat Sajak's name after ex-host was seen with Vanna White.
Ryan Seacrest's 'Wheel of Fortune' debut omitted Pat Sajak's name after ex-host was seen with Vanna White.

On Monday night, Ryan Seacrest began his first appearance on "Wheel of Fortune" without mentioning Pat Sajak's name in his introduction.

Seacrest, 49, acknowledged his new role but did not mention Sajak's name while opening the show.

During the show's opening, announcer Jim Thornton introduced the stars of the show, Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White, for the first time together.

Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest point at the Santa Monica ferris wheel lit up like "Wheel of Fortune" wheel
Seacrest joins longtime "Wheel" co-host Vanna White, who recently extended her contract through the 2025-26 season. (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for CBS Media Ventures/Sony Pictures Television)

During his debut, the new "Wheel of Fortune" host expressed his feelings after being introduced alongside Seacrest and Vanna White.

Ryan Seacrest, your host for the evening, expressed his amazement at being able to continue the legacy of the show with all of you. He also mentioned his good friend Vanna White during his monologue.

Ryan Seacrest in front of the Wheel of Fortune set (photo illustration)
Ryan Seacrest takes over "Wheel of Fortune" hosting responsibilities. (Getty Images/CBS)

"I'm thrilled to be hosting 'Wheel of Fortune,' a dream job I've been passionate about since I was a child watching it with my family in Atlanta. I appreciate the warm welcome and the opportunity to be a part of this beloved show that has been in homes for 40 years. I'm honored to be invited and know I have big shoes to fill. So, let's get started with 'Wheel of Fortune'!"

"I’m just so grateful to be invited in. I also know I’ve got some very big shoes to fill. So, let’s play ‘Wheel of Fortune.’" — Ryan Seacrest

Although Sajak's name was absent in Seacrest's introduction, he acknowledged having "big shoes to fill."

After being seen together in public, Sajak, 77, and White, 67, are replaced by Seacrest as the hosts of "Wheel of Fortune."

Pat Sajak and Vanna White meet up for a cozy lunch in the wake of the former host’s recent departure from Wheel of Fortune
Pat Sajak and Vanna White join up for lunch, days before Ryan Seacrest’s first episode as host of "Wheel of Fortune" aired. (Coleman-Rayner)

On Sept. 3, the renowned television pair ventured out for a lunch excursion in California.

Sajak and White were in high spirits as Sajak wore a long magenta dress, gold flip-flops, silver hooped earrings, and a Louis Vuitton wallet clutch.

The "Wheel of Fortune" host chose a blue and white striped button-up shirt with Chino-style pants, dark blue shoes, and sunglasses.

In June 2023, Seacrest will replace Sajak as the host of "Wheel of Fortune."

Pat Sajak and Vanna White in front of a vintage board for the game show
Pat Sajak and Vanna White hosted "Wheel of Fortune" for more than 40 years. (Ron Tom/NBCU Photo Bank)

"Seacrest expressed his gratitude for being able to follow in the footsteps of the iconic Pat Sajak, stating that it was an honor to watch the duo on TV for 40 years and bring joy to viewers every night."

"I appreciate how you've consistently made contestants and viewers feel comfortable during the contest. I eagerly anticipate learning from you during this transition period."

On Oct. 7, Sajak will make his final appearance on "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune."

by Stephanie Giang-Paunon

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