'Wheel of Fortune': Vanna White's Next Move Revealed Amid Contract Talks

The 'Wheel of Fortune' icon is locked in contract negotiations and combating an illness.

By Andrew Roberts

Pat Sajak's impending retirement from Wheel of Fortune at the close of his next season has sparked a hefty serving of speculation. Ryan Seacrest was always the top choice to host the iconic game show, but another report stands in contrast and seems to show Vanna White wanted to be considered for the role.

According to a reported insider statement at Radar, White had reportedly eyed the hosting spot herself and  told the executives behind the show that she wants the job. As the report adds, White allegedly feels she's done her part for the series' legacy and has been an understudy of sorts with Sajak for decades.

"Vanna believes it's her time and thinks she is the natural choice," the insider alleges, citing her hosting tenure while Sajak was hospitalized and needed emergency surgery. Still, the source alleges that White is unlikely to win the position. "It's unlikely an all-female hosting line-up would work," they noted. "There is merit to Vanna taking on the role – and perhaps it could work if there is a format change, and the role of letter activator is removed completely in favor of a digital tool, like something that would reveal the letter at the host's command instead of a host touching the letters."

The all-female idea seems to indicate that Sajak's daughter Maggie would join the series in White's letter-turning role, but the report also alleges that there make be some ruffling backstage with Sajak.

"Behind-the-scenes, it's turned into an all-out war," a source had previously told the outlet. "Pat's trying to elbow her (White) aside to make room for Maggie. Everyone's bracing themselves for battle."

If Sajak gets his hands on all of the infinity gems, not stones, he could easily manipulate the show how he pleases. It would also mean a fierce battle if that was the case, but it seems like there could just be a little spat between a TV family with the host's exit.

Will we see White follow Sajak off of the show? Or will she ascend to the host's perch to become the new face of the franchise? It will be interesting to see how it unfolds.

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