Why Vanna White Felt ‘Very Scared’ to Co-Host Wheel of Fortune with Ryan Seacrest: ‘I Had No Idea What to Expect’

White also spoke with PEOPLE and explained that she thinks Seacrest “was a great choice” to replace longtime host Pat Sajak

(L) Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest. Photo:Christopher Willard via Getty; Manny Carabel/Getty

Vanna White admitted to having fears about working with Ryan Seacrest on Wheel of Fortune.

On Sept. 1, the longtime game show host, 67, explained why she had reservations about returning to Wheel of Fortune after Pat Sajak’s departure — and working with Seacrest for the very first time.

Though she’s known Seacrest for “probably 20 years,” White told CBS Sunday Mornings that the two have gotten “to know each other a little better” since traveling for the show.

(L) Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White.Ryan Seacrest/ Instagram

“I think our chemistry is good,” she explained. “I had no idea what to expect when I’m used to one person for so long. I was very scared but he’s doing a great job.”

Earlier this month, White exclusively told PEOPLE about how her relationship with Seacrest has evolved after he stepped into his new role. While it was hard to believe anyone could replace Sajak, White revealed that she thought “Ryan was a great choice.”

“He’s professional, he’s kind, he’s hard-working. We’ve known each other for 20 years, so I think he’s a good fit,” she said before sharing how the two first crossed paths.

Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White have dinner.Vanna White/Instagram

Turns out, White and Seacrest’s new partnership may have been written in the stars.

“Oddly enough, Merv Griffin, who is the creator of Wheel of Fortune, who chose me — God bless you, Merv — Ryan Seacrest was also one of Merv’s people that he [discovered],” she recalled. “We actually sat next to each other at Merv’s Funeral. That’s where we met.”

On June 12, Sajak announced that he was leaving Wheel of Fortune after hosting the game show alongside White for 41 seasons.

“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he wrote in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) at the time. “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!)”

Pat Sajak.Christopher Willard/DISNEY via Getty

Later that month, Sony announced that Seacrest would be replacing Sajak and had signed a multi-year deal to host the long-running show.

“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak. 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,” Seacrest said in a statement.

The radio personality added, “Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition… I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”