Ryan Seacrest Says He's Got 'Very Big Shoes to Fill' in Hosting Debut for Wheel of Fortune: 'A Dream Job'

The wait is over! Ryan Seacrest made his debut as a host on Wheel of fortune.

On Monday, September 9, the television personality, 49, hosted his first episode of the game show alongside Vanna White after taking over from Pat Sajak following his retirement.

“Welcome to Wheel of fortune. I’m your host, Ryan Seacrest,” he began. “I still can’t believe I’m here with you tonight to continue this legacy of this amazing show with all of you and, of course, my good friend, Vanna White.”

Ryan Seacrest says he’s updating Wheel of fortune Set For ‘New Era’ Because The Host Was ‘Magic’ (Exclusive)

While thanking the live audience for a “very warm welcome,” Seacrest admitted that “the household Wheel of fortune is a dream job.”

“I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid, I watched it in Atlanta with my family, and I know how special it is Wheel has been in your living rooms for the last 40 years and I’m so grateful to be invited in,” he said. “I also know I have some big shoes to fill, so let’s play Wheel of fortune!”

In the end, contestant Terry stole the show and won $25,849 in cash and prizes. Before going to commercial break, Seacrest thanked Terry for “being here on my first night” and for being “a pleasure to hang out with” during the historic shoot.

Why Vanna White was ‘very afraid’ of being a co-host Wheel of fortune with Ryan Seacrest: ‘I had no idea what to expect’

From left: Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest on “Wheel of Fortune.”

ric McCandless/Sony Pictures Television

Earlier this month, Seacrest — who was announced as the new host Wheel of fortune in July 2023 — opened up to PEOPLE about the various ways he prepared to host the game show.

“Since I got the job, I’ve been studying the rulebook, I’ve been watching Pat’s episodes,” he explained at the time. “I’ve been practicing in conference rooms all over the country, depending on where I work. We travel with a little wheel we made to play, and I feel ready.”

Seacrest also said he’s looking forward to working with Vanna White, the show’s iconic letter flipper.

“I can’t imagine Wheel of fortune without Vanna White. It doesn’t feel right, especially if it’s going to be a new host,” shares Seacrest. So far, he says they’ve had a “magical time together.”

Ryan Seacrest gives off ‘First Day of School’ energy at the start of filming Wheel of fortune

Pat Sajak on “Wheel of Fortune”.

Christopher Willard/DISNEY via Getty

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

After 40 years, Sajak concluded his Wheel of fortune launched during an episode that aired in June. Speaking about his departure in a monologue, he thanked fans as he passed the torch to Seacrest.

“What an honor to play even a small part in all of this,” Sajak said of bringing together the families who watched the show every night. “Thank you for letting me into your lives, every time we filmed the show I met three new people from all parts of this wonderful country and the world who were kind and considerate, who cheered for each other, who spoke with great pride about their family, their hometown, their friends, their schools, their jobs, even their pets.”

He concluded: “In the end, they were the real stars of the show. I genuinely like these people and will miss the opportunity to get to know them more.”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education