“Wheel of Fortune” host Ryan Seacrest doesn’t mention Pat Sajak’s name in his debut

When Ryan Seacrest made his big debut on “Wheel of Fortune” on Monday night, he left out longtime host Pat Sajak’s name in his introduction.

Although Seacrest, 49, was aware that he had landed an important role, he did not mention Sajak's name when he opened the show.

“And here for the first time are the stars of our show, Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White!” said announcer Jim Thornton during the opening of the show.

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Seacrest joins longtime “Wheel” co-host Vanna White, who recently extended her contract through the 2025-26 season. (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for CBS Media Ventures/Sony Pictures Television)

After Seacrest and co-host Vanna White were introduced, the new “Wheel of Fortune” host shared his feelings on his debut.

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“I'm your host, Ryan Seacrest. I still can't believe my luck to be here with you tonight to continue the legacy of this incredible show with all of you. And of course, my good friend Vanna White,” he said during his monologue.

Ryan Seacrest will host “Wheel of Fortune.” (Getty Images/CBS)

“Thank you for the warm welcome,” Seacrest said. “Hosting 'Wheel of Fortune' is a dream job. I've been a fan of this show since I was a kid watching it with my family in Atlanta. And I know how special it is that 'Wheel' has been in your living rooms for 40 years. And I'm so grateful to have been invited. I also know I have big shoes to fill. So let's do 'Wheel of Fortune.'”

“I'm just so grateful to have been invited. I also know I have big shoes to fill. So let's play 'Wheel of Fortune.'”

— Ryan Seacrest

Although Seacrest mentioned that he had “big shoes to fill,” Sajak’s name was missing from his introduction.

Seacrest's “Wheel of Fortune” debut comes after former host Sajak, 77, and White, 67, were spotted together in public.

Pat Sajak and Vanna White meet for lunch days before Ryan Seacrest's first episode as host of “Wheel of Fortune” airs. (Coleman-Rayner)

The famous TV duo took a lunchtime trip to California on September 3rd.

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Sajak and White appeared to be in good spirits, as the co-host wore a long magenta dress and gold flip-flops. She completed her look with silver hoop earrings and a Louis Vuitton purse.

The former “Wheel of Fortune” presenter opted for a blue and white striped shirt with white chinos, dark blue shoes and sunglasses.

“Wheel of Fortune” announced that Seacrest will succeed Sajak in June 2023 after the host retires.

Pat Sajak and Vanna White hosted “Wheel of Fortune” for more than 40 years. (Ron Tom/NBCU Photo Database)

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“I am truly honored to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said in the statement obtained by Fox News Digital at the time. “I can say along with the rest of America that it has been a privilege and a pure joy to have Pat and Vanna (White) on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and making us feel at home with them.”

“Pat, I love the way you always celebrated the contestants and made the viewers at home feel good. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.”

Sajak will return to “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” on October 7 for his final farewell.

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