Vanna White admits Wheel of Fortune ‘no longer needs her’ after massive changes
Legendary Wheel of Fortune star Vanna White has given an insight into how much the show has changed since she first stepped out in the studio.
Vanna, who has been with the popular ABC gameshow since 1982, and previously starred with Pat Sajak before his retirement now appears alongside new host Ryan Seacrest but has revealed she doesn’t think the show will need her much in the future.
The 67-year-old presenter is known for turning over letters on the quiz show board as contestants attempt to guess the phrases and words, but she’s revealed how a major change means she might not be needed in the future.
Speaking in an interview with Parade, she explained: “My role on the puzzle board has changed.
“When I first started, I had to physically turn every letter.”
Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen – Season 21© Getty
She continued: “Then they switched to TV monitors, so I just had to touch the letters and they would light up. Now the board is operated by a laser.
“It’s like a flat screen. And when I go to touch the letter, the laser catches my movement. It’s crazy, right?”
The outlet then asked “if the letters can light up automatically…”
The star then joked that her time on the show might be up as she laughed: “I’m telling you right now, don’t say it. They need me!”
Vanna might be a fan of the upgraded board and its technology, but it hasn’t been such a hit with viewers.
Viewers of the show took to X to share how they feel about the changes to the show, including welcoming Ryan Seacrest on board.
Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen – Season 21© Getty
One person wrote: “The new #WheelOfFortune set is so beautiful! Ryan Seacrest is doing a great job as the brand new host with Vanna White! The Puzzle Board & Wheel look incredible!”
Another shared: “The Wheel of Fortune set is really not good. There are so many different colors not aesthetically pleasing. It almost makes me sick to watch it. Especially the long shot when they show Ryan and the contestant, it’s like your eyes don’t know where to go. This needs to be redone.”
Earlier this month Ryan and Vanna kicked off the latest series, as previous host Pat Sajak stepped down.
Praising her new co-host, Vanna said: “Ryan is a professional.
“We all know that he’s well-liked. He’s a kind person, he’s down-to-earth, and he’s hard-working. He’s doing a good job.”
Despite the kind words, Ryan’s start to the show has already been a bumpy ride with viewer figures falling and rumors including he and Vanna not meshing well together.
Sources have now claimed if Ryan fails impress the bosses of the show, which has had dwindling ratings over the past few years, its long-time co-host Vanna, 67, will take over presenting duties.
One said: “This is a very stressful time for Ryan. He’s in the seat now! Ryan’s trying to sugarcoat this and say it’s good news, that the only way is up since Pat’s ratings are down. But the bosses are worried it’s a free-fall that might not be automatically reversible just by hiring a new host.”
