Pat Sajak out at ‘Wheel of Fortune’
It’s a prized position.
Whoopi Goldberg, 67, revealed that she wants to be the next host of “Wheel of Fortune” following Monday’s announcement that Pat Sajak, 76, is retiring after his 41st season.
“The View” co-hosts discussed Sajak’s impending exit Tuesday while interviewing “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings, asking him to weigh in on the longtime star’s departure and possible successors.
“Well, Pat’s a legend, I mean, over 40 years?” Jennings mused. “And the price of a vowel has not gone up one penny, I mean, no one controls inflation like Pat Sajak.”
Jennings, 49, continued, “I mean, ‘Jeopardy!’ had its own succession crisis. Hopefully ‘Wheel’s’ got an envelope somewhere that says, ‘What to do when Pat packs it in.'”
Whoopi Goldberg admitted that she would be open to taking over hosting duties on “Wheel of Fortune.” ABC
Ken Jennings, who appeared on “The View,” also gave his thoughts on Pat Sajak’s retirement. ABC
Goldberg then announced, “I want that job,” adding it would be “lots of fun.”
The Post reached out to Goldberg’s reps for comment.
Joy Behar, 80, joked that she and fellow “View” co-host Sara Haines, 45, could switch off posing as longtime letter-turner Vanna White, 66.
On Monday, Sajak announced via Twitter that he will retire from hosting the hit ABC game show once the upcoming season ends.
“Well, the time has come,” the Chicago native wrote. “I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Sajak announced his retirement from the show Monday. ABC via Getty Images
Sajak has been a mainstay on the show since 1981.
It’s unclear who will take over on “Wheel of Fortune,” but according to Bloomberg, several people are interested in being the new host, including “American Idol” fixture Ryan Seacrest, 48.
One insider alleged to the outlet that Seacrest is the “front-runner.”
However, some fans are arguing White should assume the role, as she’s been part of the show for four decades.
He will be leaving after the season that is set to premiere in September. ABC via Getty Images
White tweeted a message to Sajak on Tuesday, breaking her silence about his upcoming retirement.
“When we started @WheelofFortune who could have imagined we’d still be at it 41 seasons later?” White typed on the social media platform. “I couldn’t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years with one more to come. Cheers to you, @patsajak!”
Sajak’s exit may not come as a surprise to some — during a September interview with “Entertainment Tonight,” he teased that the time for him to leave the show was coming soon.
Goldberg revealed that she thought it would be a “fun” job to host “Wheel of Fortune.” ABC
Sajak has been hosting the hit show for over 40 years. ABC via Getty Images
“Years go by fast,” Sajak admitted to the outlet. “We’re getting near the end. It’s been a long [time]. We’re not gonna do this for another 40 years. The end is near.”
He added: “It’s an honor to have been in people’s living rooms for that long. People were out there welcoming us. We’re happy and proud.”
The new season of “Wheel of Fortune” is set to premiere in September.
Source: New York Post
