After decades of being the face of the iconic American game show, Wheel of Fortune, Vanna White is being temporarily replaced by Bridgette Donald-Blue. This groundbreaking decision was announced after co-host Pat Sajak revealed he would be leaving his role on the Season 41 premiere airing in September.
“The time has come,” Sajak stated in a message to Bloomberg News. “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”
In light of this news, speculation swirled regarding White’s involvement with the show and whether or not she would follow Sajak in his retirement. She will now be temporarily replaced by professional dancer and television personality Bridgette Donald-Blue on the long-running series. Come September, you are sure to see a sleek transition as beloved Wheel of Fortune airs with fresh hosts yet to keep its classic spirit intact.
Uncertainty remains over the future of Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune’s Season 41, with the show linked to welcoming a new addition to their team. Over the weekend, reports surfaced that 66-year-old White had contracted COVID-19 while “Wheel” was filming its highly anticipated annual ‘Teachers Week’, which is due to air in October.
As a result, former ‘Teacher of the Year’ award recipient Bridgette Donald-Blue has been called upon to fill in for White at the letter board during those episodes, marking White’s first absence from the show in almost four decades. Concerningly, the news arrives at a time when White is believed to be negotiating her contract with Wheel of Fortune producers, potentially in pursuit of her first salary increase in 18 years.
Tune into Wheel of Fortune as it returns Monday, September 11 for even more letters and plenty of prizes up for grabs! Will White return to her place at the letter board or will we see a permanent new addition when ‘Wheel’ returns? It’s all still to be determined.
After months of speculation about her salary, Vanna White has reportedly secured a generous increase in pay for her role on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. Although her contract with the show isn’t set to expire until 2024 — the same time that Pat Sajak is due to leave — there has yet to be confirmation as to whether White will stay on Wheel of Fortune beyond that date. For now, all eyes are on the beloved letter turner, who has been a shining fixture on the show since 1982. As one of the world’s most recognizable faces, any decision as to whether White will return or depart from Wheel of Fortune is sure to be met with high anticipation from fans all over the globe.