WHEEL of Fortune social media correspondent Maggie Sajak could end up taking over Ryan Seacrest’s hosting job if he doesn’t sign a new contract.
Ryan, 49, took over Maggie‘s dad Pat‘s longtime job this fall after the iconic star hosted the game show for over 40 years.
Maggie Sajak stunned in a red gown for a charity Wheel of Fortune game in May 2023.[/caption]
Ryan Seacrest, here on the season 42 premiere in September 2024, took over Pat Sajak’s longtime job[/caption]
Maggie is still very close to dad Pat, who still serves as a consultant on the show[/caption]
Despite her beloved dad’s departure, Maggie, 29, has remained on Wheel of Fortune in her role as social media correspondent.
Maggie has proven popular with viewers, and has created buzz for the show through her use of Instagram and TikTok.
“It’s important to allow Maggie to develop her own voice when it comes to the Wheel fan base, and that makes her incredibly valuable to Sony TV,” an insider told The U.S. Sun.
“Because the whole point of bringing in Ryan Seacrest was to reach more young people.”
UNCERTAIN FUTURE
As The U.S. Sun previously reported, Ryan’s arrival on the show has brought a major boost in ratings.
But he has only reportedly signed an official contract for two years, leaving Wheel of Fortune’s future uncertain.
“Sony loves the ratings and wants to negotiate a much longer contract for Ryan, but right now they have to have contingency plans in place in case Ryan simply decides to move on,” the insider claimed.
“Maggie has positioned herself to help out if there’s a hosting vacancy, and the franchise is in her blood and her appreciation for the world of Wheel of Fortune is genuine.”
Whether Ryan stays or goes, Wheel of Fortune execs hope to keep Maggie on the show for years to come.
“Maggie’s already proven herself to be a super-valuable member of the Wheel family, especially during this time of transition,” the insider said.
LAWYER LIFE
In addition to her job on Wheel of Fortune, Maggie also recently became a licensed attorney.
“Thank you to everyone who supported me through this journey,” she proudly posted in November.
“Excited to do some good with this in the future.”
As The U.S. Sun exclusively reported, Maggie’s law license was issued on September 7, 2024, by the State Bar of California.
She graduated from Georgetown University Law School in Washington, DC in May 2023.
Wheel of Fortune’s big changes
The game show has undergone a major transformation now that Ryan Seacrest has taken over hosting duties for Pat Sajak.
-Ryan and Vanna White now host on a brand-new set, featuring a blue-toned stage, a green screen and art-deco wheel design.
-Ryan and Vanna make their big entrance from behind new sliding, brightly lit doors.
-Vanna turns – or now, touches – a modern, digital puzzle board controlled by lasers.
-Ryan brings a new hosting style, and has ditched Pat’s signature cue cards.
-The prizes have also been upgraded, and now include tickets to NFL games, and tickets to A-list concerts.
VANNA’S REPLACEMENT?
In May 2023, Maggie filled in for longtime Wheel of Fortune co-host Vanna White, and fans thought she could take over upon the 67-year-old beauty’s eventual retirement.
Vanna seemed to hint Maggie could take on her legendary position standing next to the letterboard in the future.
“I think she’s a good replacement if I can’t be there for some reason,” she told E! in October 2023.
“She’s been around it her whole life, so I think she can fill in for me for sure.
“She’s precious, she’s beautiful, she’s very good.
“I think she learned a lot from her father because he’s such a good interviewer. I think she’s good for our show.”
Maggie offered fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the contestants’ point of view behind the wheel[/caption]
Pat is is still the host of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which filmed earlier this year but will air in 2025[/caption]
Maggie and Pat posed together on set in 2023[/caption]
