Ryan Seacrest felt there was ‘no need’ to pay tribute to his predecessor Pat Sajak as he made his Wheel of Fortune debut, because he believes he lavished enough praise on the former host in the months leading up to his big moment.
The television star, 49, kicked off a brand new season of the game show on Monday night alongside returning star Vanna White, 67, marking the beginning of a new era for the beloved program.
While longstanding viewers were furious that Ryan snubbed Pat, 77, in his opening speech, insiders have told DailyMail.com that he wanted to focus on taking Wheel of Fortune in ‘a new direction.’
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, the source said: ‘Ryan is not used to taking over as a host for anything.
‘He is used to starting ventures so for him to do this is new.
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Ryan Seacrest made his debut as the new host of Wheel Of Fortune on Monday night
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Longstanding viewers were disappointed that Ryan, 49, didn’t mention his predecessor Pat Sajak, 77
‘He has spent months and months honoring Pat. But Pat is gone, and Ryan is taking the show and the audience in a new direction. Pat didn’t wish him luck publicly.
‘Ryan was contemplating jokingly saying “Sajak out” on the episode, but he decided against it. This is now his show with his viewers.’
They continued: ‘Pat knows he is grateful for this opportunity. But even so, Pat was not the one who hired Ryan.
‘Wheel of Fortune is spinning in a new direction and there was simply no need.
‘If the producers or anyone else thought it should have been included, it was pre-taped months ago and they did six episodes in one day. Surely it would have been done then.’
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During his introduction on Monday night, Ryan acknowledged that he has ‘very big shoes to fill’ – but he failed to mention Pat by name.
‘Welcome to Wheel of Fortune,’ he began. ‘I am your host, Ryan Seacrest.
‘I still can’t believe my luck being here with you tonight to continue this legacy of this incredible show with all of you. And, of course my good friend, Vanna White.’
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An insider told DailyMail.com that Ryan didn’t feel the need to mention Pat because he has given the ex-host enough praise in recent months
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Ryan was joined by longtime letter turner Vanna White, 67, for the season premiere of the ABC game show
He continued: ‘Thank you for the very warm welcome. Hosting Wheel of Fortune is a dream job.
‘I’ve been a fan of this job since I was a kid watching it in Atlanta with my family, and I know how special it is that Wheel has been in your living rooms for the past 40 years.
‘And I’m just so grateful to be invited in. I also know I’ve got some very big shoes to fill. So, let’s play Wheel of Fortune.’
Pat stepped down from hosting duties in June after 40 years at the helm.
At the time, Ryan publicly honored Pat on Instagram following his final episode as presenter.
‘Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune!’ he wrote alongside a photograph of himself, Pat and Vanna on the set.
‘Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades,’ he continued.
‘Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers.
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Pat stepped down from Wheel of Fortune hosting duties in June after four decades at the helm
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American Idol presenter Ryan shared a heartfelt tribute to Pat after his last episode
Vanna White cries in Wheel Of Fortune video for Pat Sajak
‘You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere, and this marks the end of an era. Best wishes for all your future endeavors!’
Ryan also paid tribute to Pat when it was announced that he would be taking over his role on Wheel of Fortune.
‘I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,’ he said.
‘I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.’
He went on to write a personal message to the longtime front man of the show, and said: ‘Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease.
‘I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.’
