Ryan Seacrest has unveiled a behind-the-scenes secret about “Wheel of Fortune” that surprised even his longtime co-host Vanna White during a recent interview to promote the game show’s 43rd season.
During a September 5 interview with “Good Morning America”, Seacrest revealed the mechanical secret behind the wheel’s distinctive clicking sound that viewers hear when contestants spin. The 50-year-old host explained that rubber bands, similar to those used with orthodontic braces, create the iconic noise that has been synonymous with the show for decades.
White, who has served as the show’s letter-turner for 43 seasons, expressed genuine surprise at the revelation. White indicated she never knew the source of the clicking sound despite her extensive tenure on the program. “Do you know I never knew that?” she responded during the interview segment.
The revelation came as part of promotional activities for the show’s new season, which premiered Monday, September 8. Seacrest, who replaced veteran host Pat Sajak in 2024, is now in his second season helming the popular game show. The transition marked the end of Sajak’s 42-year hosting career, which began in 1981.
White praised Seacrest’s performance as the new host, indicating he completed his preparation thoroughly and that the transition process went smoothly. She noted that he adapted to the role as if he had been hosting for years. The 68-year-old co-host also addressed speculation about her own retirement plans, stating she remains enthusiastic about continuing her role on the program.
The game show, which first premiered on television in 1975, has maintained its popularity through multiple decades. Sajak joined as host in 1981, with White following in 1982. Their partnership defined the show for more than four decades, establishing them as one of television’s most recognizable hosting duos.
White has extended her contract with “Wheel of Fortune” through the 2025-2026 season, reportedly receiving a substantial pay increase as part of the agreement. She has appeared in more than 8,100 episodes during her tenure and briefly took over hosting duties in November 2019 when Sajak underwent emergency surgery for an intestinal blockage.
The current season, branded as the “Year of Fun,” promises enhanced entertainment value with additional tournaments, larger prizes, and extra winning opportunities for contestants. Executive producer Bellamie Blackstone noted that Seacrest brings charm, warmth, and playfulness to his interactions with both contestants and White, qualities that have resonated positively with viewers.
Seacrest’s appointment as Sajak’s replacement was announced in July 2023, just weeks after Sajak revealed his retirement plans following the 41st season. The transition represented a significant change for the long-running program, which has become a staple of American television entertainment.
The show’s iconic wheel consists of 24 pricing wedges, and the rubber band mechanism that creates the clicking sound has apparently been a well-kept production secret. Even “Good Morning America” journalist Trevor Ault was able to observe the bands during the interview segment, confirming their presence within the wheel structure.
Beyond his “Wheel of Fortune” responsibilities, Seacrest maintains a busy professional schedule that includes hosting “American Idol”, overseeing his weekly syndicated radio program “On Air with Ryan,” and running the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. He also published his debut children’s book, “The Make-Believers,” in October 2024.
The newest season of “Wheel of Fortune” airs every weeknight on ABC at 7:30 p.m. local time and becomes available for streaming the following day on Peacock and Hulu. The show continues to maintain its position as one of television’s most enduring game shows, adapting to new hosts while preserving the elements that have made it a cultural institution for nearly five decades.
