NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Wheel of Fortune’ executives have reportedly hinted at letter turner host Vanna White’s unresolved contract might be her ‘last’ following Pat Sajak’s retirement.
White has been in the headlines since the announcement of Pat Sajak’s successor, Ryan Seacrest.
With the upcoming new season of 'Wheel of Fortune' scheduled to begin September 11, White’s pay raise conflicts with ABC producers are not over, and it is highly unlikely that the situation will improve.
Is Vanna White getting fired from ‘Wheel of Fortune’?
The longtime host of "Wheel of Fortune" is reportedly juggling her contract dispute with game show executives, who are hinting that they will look for alternatives once the matter is resolved.
The upcoming Season 41 is of historical significance as it will be Pat Sajak's last season before his retirement and transition to Ryan Seacrest as host.
It's also White’s final season under her current contract, which runs through 2024 and coincides with Sajak’s retirement.
However, a source with insights into the show shared with Daily Mail, "Everyone wants something achieved and wouldn't want Pat's last year hampered by the constant news of the revolving contract dispute drama."
“They want to celebrate this year with little to no drama whatsoever," the source revealed.
Who will be Vanna White’s replacement?
As The Sun reports, an insider suggests that 'Wheel of Fortune' producers are aiming for Vanna White’s new contract to be the final negotiation, suggesting they are seeking a solution that avoids future contract disputes and ensures a stable future for the show.
The source claims, “They want her next contract, though, to be her last contract. So there is a little more maneuverability to change things up in a few years when they look for her replacement."
The source also points out that White is still looking for her pay rise in 2024 and that too is a "tremendous" one.
It says, “It is a matter of who is going to budge first, but they both aren’t blinking yet. Vanna wants to go out on her terms and retire when she is ready with a nice paycheck to end it all.”
The insider continued, "Wheel wants to make the transition between Pat [Sajak] and Ryan [Seacrest] seamless, and having Vanna there would be wonderful to make that all happen.”
Concluding the claims, “Everyone is in a wait-and-see mode, but to Vanna’s favor, at least she is talking with producers, and there is some progress with it all.”
