Ryan Seacrest fails to mention Pat Sajak by name on Wheel of Fortune debut

The wheel keeps spinning. Legendary talk show host Pat Sajak, 77, exited “Wheel of Fortune” after a run that lasted over four decades — and now, Ryan Seacrest has taken over, kicking off his own run hosting the show and failing to mention his predecessor’s name.Seacrest, 49, had his first episode on Monday, Sept.

9, and was joined by the show’s longtime co-host Vanna White, 67, whose tenure on the show began in 1982. His debut was honored by announcer Jim Thornton during the show opener.“And now together for the first time, here are the stars of our show, Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White!” Thornton said.“I am your host, Ryan Seacrest.

I still can’t believe my luck of being here with you tonight to continue this legacy of this incredible show with all of you.And of course, my good friend Vanna White,” he said during his monologue.

“Thank you for the very warm welcome,” he continued.“Hosting ‘Wheel of Fortune’ is a dream job.

I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid watching it in Atlanta with my family.And I know how special it is that ‘Wheel’ has been in your living rooms for the pat 40 years.

And I’m just so grateful to be invited in.I also know I’ve got some very big shoes to fill.

So, let’s play ‘Wheel of Fortune.’”It was hard not to notice that Seacrest did not mention Sajak in the opener, although he did refer to having big shoes to fill.White recently spoke about her chemistry with Seacrest and her biggest fear of having a new co-host.“I’ve known Ryan for probably 20 years,” said White.

“But in the past couple of months, we’ve done some traveling together for the show, and we got to know each other a little better, too.”She added that she thinks their “chemistry” is good, but “I had no idea what to expect when I’m used to one person for so long.”“I was very scared,” she admitted, “but he’s doing a great job.”Last year, Sajak announced he was retiring from the show afte...