Vanna White will reportedly be lacking from some upcoming episodes of Wheel of Fortune — however her ongoing contract negotiations aren’t accountable.
White, 66, reportedly contracted COVID in late July whereas the sport present was capturing its annual “Academics Week” block of episodes, which air in October, Puck Information reported in an article printed on Friday, August 11.
White was quickly changed because the letter turner for a number of reveals set to air this fall. Bridgette Donald-Blue, an L.A. elementary college trainer who was named 2023 California Instructor of the Yr, was requested to take over White’s position for the week, based on Puck Information.
Remarkably, this may mark solely the fourth time — and first time in additional than three many years — White has missed tapings of the present in her 41 years of letter turning. White was changed by Susan Stafford in 1986 after White’s boyfriend, John Gibson, died in a aircraft crash. Tricia Gist stepped as much as the board in 1991 when White went on a two-week honeymoon with now ex-husband George Santo Pietro. And Gist as soon as once more stuffed in for White later that yr when Whiteshe was sick. (White and Pietro break up in 2002.)
White’s absence on the upcoming season 41 episodes is much more noteworthy as a result of it comes quickly after it was reported that the TV persona is negotiating for the next wage as soon as longtime host Pat Sajak, 76, leaves the present on the finish of the season. In line with the studies, White hasn’t been given a increase in 18 years. And whereas she earns $3 million a yr, Sajak at present earns $15 million. She is reportedly asking for $7.5 million per yr.
Sajak introduced in June that he was retiring because the host of Wheel of Fortune after greater than 40 years. He took over the position from Chuck Woolery in 1981.
“Effectively, the time has come,” Sajak stated in a June assertion. “I’ve determined that our forty first season, which begins in September, can be my final. It’s been a beautiful experience, and I’ll have extra to say within the coming months. Many due to you all.”
White has been on the sport present virtually so long as Sajak, having joined in 1982. She stuffed in for Sajak because the host in 2019 whereas he was recovering from emergency surgical procedure attributable to a blocked gut.
“I used to be in all probability probably the most nervous — and excited on the similar time — to have the ability to fill in for Pat whereas he was away,” White solely informed Us Weekly in December 2019 after Sajak returned. “I’ve by no means even considered internet hosting the present. By no means crossed my thoughts. However clearly, I stepped in, took one for the crew to fill in for him as a result of I’m very aware of the present in any case these years. And our govt producer thought I used to be the right particular person to try this in his absence. So it was good. It was totally different. It was enjoyable.”
Shortly after Sajak confirmed his departure, Puck reported in June that the higher-ups at Sony have been contemplating “eliminating” White’s position as soon as Sajak is gone. (Sajak’s ultimate episodes will air in September 2024.)
Nonetheless, Us reported in June that White’s future is just not in jeopardy. “There’s no fact to the rumors that with Pat’s retirement, Wheel of Fortune plans on eliminating Vanna in any approach, form or type,” a supply near manufacturing informed Us on the time. “They’re at present in negotiations with Vanna.”
Ryan Seacrest — who was named in June as Sajak’s substitute — revealed he desires to work with White when he’s on the helm. “I can’t wait to proceed the custom of spinning the wheel and dealing alongside the nice Vanna White,” Seacrest, 48, stated in a June assertion.
