Breaking News: Stunning Decision Unveiled Regarding Vanna White's Future on 'Wheel of Fortune' After Pat Sajak's Retirement!

Vanna White Kobal/Shutterstock

Update, 6/23/23 at 1:45 p.m. ET:

After reports circulated that Vanna White could be leaving Wheel of Fortune along with Pat Sajak, an insider exclusively told We that’s not the case.

“There is no validity to the speculation that Vanna will be removed from Wheel of Fortune following Pat's retirement," stated a reliable insider familiar with the production on Friday, June 23. "Negotiations with Vanna are currently underway."

According to a report from Puck published on Thursday, June 22, Sony executives have reportedly entertained the idea of "eliminating" Vanna White's position on Wheel of Fortune once her longtime co-host, Pat Sajak, retires from the show in 2024. White, who has been Sajak's cohost since 1982, may see potential changes to the show's format in the future.

White is said to be in talks to make a comeback once the 2023-24 season, marking Sajak's farewell, is over. There are speculations that her departure may occur if Sajak is succeeded by a well-known figure who is already a familiar name in households.

Sajak recently made the announcement that he will be retiring from the show in 2024, marking the end of his 40-year tenure as the host. In a statement released on June 12, he expressed his decision, stating, "Well, the time has come. I've decided that our 41st season, starting in September, will be my final one. It has been an incredible journey, and I will be sharing more thoughts in the upcoming months. A heartfelt thank you to everyone."

White, known to some Wheel of Fortune viewers solely as Sajak's letter-spinner, has had the opportunity to host the show herself. In 2019, she filled in for Sajak while he underwent emergency surgery for a blocked intestine. When asked about her feelings on taking on the hosting duties, White expressed surprise and nervousness, stating, "I've never even thought of that in 37 years... I was very nervous."

Vanna White and Pat Sajak ABC/Christopher Willard

White expressed her desire for more women to host game shows, stating that everyone should have the opportunity, regardless of gender. She believes it would be enjoyable to see more women in that role if it is their aspiration. Following Sajak's retirement announcement, numerous celebrities have shown interest in hosting the long-standing puzzle game that first aired in 1975. Andy Cohen recently revealed to We that hosting Wheel of Fortune would be his ultimate career aspiration.

Cohen acknowledges that hosting a game show is something he has yet to do, and he believes that this particular game show is the ultimate choice due to its enjoyable nature. However, he faces tough competition as Whoopi Goldberg has expressed her interest in the role, and there are reports suggesting that Ryan Seacrest is also a strong contender.

“I want that job,” Goldberg, 67, said during the June 13 episode of The View. “I think it would be lots of fun.”