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Ryan Seacrest & Vanna White have ‘obvious chemistry’ even off camera as Wheel of Fortune co-hosts share laughs backstage
Ryan is newly single, and 'crushing' on TV icon Vanna
WHEEL of Fortune host Ryan Seacrest has been crushing on his legendary co-star, Vanna White, behind the scenes, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal.
Ryan, 49, is newly single after splitting from much-younger model Aubrey Paige Petcosky earlier this year.
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Although he often dates women in their 20s, he admitted he's been left stunned by ageless beauty Vanna, 67, while working with her on the game show.
Insiders also say the former American Idol host is well-liked by the crew after replacing Pat Sajak on WoF, who recently retired having hosted the show since 1981.
"Ryan is already settling in well at Wheel of Fortune, he's polished and has taken to the role like a duck to water," a source told The U.S. Sun.
"There is obvious chemistry between him and Vanna, even off camera, and he gasses her up to the TV audience. Ryan crushes on her.
Ryan Seacrest
"During one of the first filming dates he was calling her a legend and an icon, and even said his heart was beating out of his chest just standing next to her.
"She laughed off the comments and is a little more reserved, but it's clear she likes working with him and thinks he has a future on the show. They get on really well."
The insider said in between takes they often head behind the large puzzle board to chat, get their makeup retouched, and find out the answer to the next question.
"Ryan has told live audience members there are a lot of laughs backstage and he was shocked Vanna could sing, as she's often belting out Motown songs," they went on. "He said she has a great voice.
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CONTRACT EXTENDED
"Vanna has said Ryan has 'big shoes to fill but he's doing a great job', adding that she misses Pat Sajak but she respects his choice to retire."
However, the source added that the topic of Vanna retiring is off the table as she doesn't plan on going anywhere anytime soon.
Wheel of Fortune accidentally leaks new puzzle board in first poster of Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White
It was reported that after lengthy negotiations, she extended her contract for another two years to continue on the syndicated game show and work with Ryan.
She previously told TV Insider, "When I heard that Pat was retiring, I thought maybe I should retire too. But I’m not ready! We'll see toward the end of those two years how I feel. I thank God after all these years that I still love my job."
Although Vanna isn't married, unfortunately for Ryan she is off the market, as she's been dating her partner John Donaldson for more than a decade.
In 2023, she told PEOPLE, "I mean, we've been together 12 years, and I feel like we are married."
Ryan and girlfriend Aubrey, 26, split up after three years together.
A source revealed the news of their breakup to PEOPLE in April.
"After three beautiful years together, Ryan and Aubrey have mutually decided to part ways," they said.
Wheel of Fortune host timeline
Premiering in 1975, the beloved game show has had a few different iconic hosts in its nearly 50 seasons.
1975 - 1981 : Chuck Woolery was the original host of Wheel of Fortune until he departed in 1981.
1981 - June 2024: Pat Sajak took over and became a beloved Wheel of Fortune host for over 40 years.
September 2024: Ryan Seacrest was declared the newest host as Sajak announced his retirement.
"They plan to stay in each other’s lives as good friends and support one another’s endeavors."
Meanwhile, Ryan is now fully focused on his career one more and has ditched his predecessor Pat's laid-back style of presenting, for a "hipper, faster and less sleepy" version, a source told The U.S. Sun before the first episode aired this month.
Despite their different styles, Ryan graciously paid tribute to Pat for his “dedication, charm, and wit” when the TV legend’s last episode aired in June this year.
“Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers,” Ryan wrote on Instagram.
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"You've set the standard for hosts everywhere, and this marks the end of an era."
Although his new presenting style has been welcomed by many, the set has been slammed by some fans of the show after it was first unveiled in August.
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