Wheel of Fortune’s Ryan Seacrest ‘reeling with regret’ after major hosting role change

Stepping into Pat Sajak’s shoes was never going to be easy, but Ryan Seacrest is reportedly finding the transition tougher than anticipated

Ryan Seacrest has been dealt backlash after taking over from Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune (Image: Getty)

Ryan Seacrest is having a tough time with fan backlash since he stepped in as the new host of Wheel of Fortune, according to reports.

Earlier this year, he took over hosting the beloved and long-running show – a task that isn’t easy, particularly when replacing someone as iconic as Pat Sajak, who had been the face of the show for decades. He’s now co-hosting the show alongside Vanna White.

According to sources, the 50-year-old presenter is said to be struggling with the transition, which has been more challenging than he anticipated, and winning over the audience has proven to be much harder than he expected.

An insider told Radar Online that Ryan is feeling the pressure and is starting to wonder if he can ever win over the fans.

They said, “Ryan is seriously feeling the pressure and wondering if there’s just no winning this fight.

Ryan Seacrest has been hosting alongside Vanna White (Image: -)

“Everything he tries on the show seems to spark an outcry, and he’s already fed up with the fan backlash.

“He’s getting the very distinct impression nothing will make them happy short of Pat coming out of retirement and hosting the show again.”

Despite his retirement, Pat returned to the studio but in a different format as he took to hosting Celebrity Wheel of Fortune back in April.

Ryan is also known for fronting American Idol (Image: Wheel Of Fortune)

The star officially quit the game show last year as he shared a sad message with fans.

He said, “I always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues. No politics.

“Nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game.”

He continued, “But gradually it became more than that — a place where kids learn their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together, along with friends and neighbors and entire generations.”

“What an honor to play even a small part in all of that,” he said, adding, “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”

Despite producers bringing in Ryan Seacrest, ratings for the show have plummeted.

Between March 3 and March 9, Jeopardy! had beat Wheel of Fortune, drawing an estimated 8,902,000 viewers. Wheel of Fortune trailed behind with 425,000 fewer viewers, at an estimated 8,477,000.