Entertainment
Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak quits game show after more than 40 years: ‘It’s been a wonderful ride’-Rishma Dosani-Entertainment – Metro
Fans were gutted over the news.
Pat Sajak has officially left the Wheel of Fortune (Picture: ABC)
Pat Sajak has confirmed that the upcoming series of Wheel of Fortune will be his last, after more than 40 years on our screens.
The 76-year-old first appeared on the gameshow in 1981 and has been a staple of our screens ever since.
Taking to Twitter on Monday, he announced his decision to step back from the program, explaining that he is bowing out after season 41.
‘Well, the time has come,’ he tweeted. ‘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!)’
Viewers were devastated over Pat’s news but rushed to wish him well with his future plans.
‘Things aren’t gonna be the same without you at the helm but it’s been an amazing run [sic],’ one replied.
‘Always a classic icon in my house of wonderfully dry wit and laughter,’ a follower agreed.
‘Shaped TV in a massive way! Thanks for 42 fantastic years. Congrats, hope retirement is everything and then some for you.’
A Twitter user posted: ‘Enjoy retirement Pat! you deserve it!’
‘It’s been a pleasure watching you all these years. Thank you and good luck,’ another said.
A commenter added: ‘A massive congrats to a titan of a game show host. We will miss ya Pat – thanks for giving us one more spin [sic].’
Although he will no longer be the face of the competition, the star will be staying on board as a consultant for the next three years.
Addressing the news in a statement, Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of game shows at Sony Pictures Television, told Variety: As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years.
Pat first appeared on our screens in 1981 (Picture: CBS)
‘We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season.
‘Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the Wheel of Fortune family!’
Pat made his debut on Wheel of Fortune in 1981 and has become a permanent fixture of the program ever since.
Thanks to his efforts, he has been nominated for 19 Daytime Emmys for outstanding game show host, taking home the trophy three times.
He also holds the Guinness World Records title for ‘having the longest career as a game show host for the same show’.
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