Ryan Seacrest Says He's Got 'Very Big Shoes to Fill' in Hosting Debut for“ Wheel of Fortune”: 'A Dream Job'

Seacrest took the 'Wheel of Fortune' stage as host for the very first time alongside Vanna White

The wait is over! Ryan Seacrest has made his hosting debut on Wheel of Fortune.

On Monday, Sept. 9, the television personality, 49, hosted his first episode of the game show alongside Vanna White after taking over for Pat Sajak following his retirement.

"Welcome to Wheel of Fortune. I am your host, Ryan Seacrest," he began. "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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As he thanked the live audience for their "very warm welcome," Seacrest went on to admit that "hosting Wheel of Fortune is a dream job."

"I've been a fan of this show since I was a kid, watching 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," he gushed. "I also know I've got some very big shoes to fill, so let's play Wheel of Fortune!"

Eventually, contestant Terry stole the show and ended up winning $25,849 in cash and prizes. Before throwing to commercial break, Seacrest thanked Terry for "being here on my first night" and being a "pleasure to hangout with" during the historic taping.

Related: Why Vanna White Felt 'Very Scared' to Co-Host Wheel of Fortune with Ryan Seacrest: 'I Had No Idea What to Expect'

Earlier this month, Seacrest — who was announced as the new host of Wheel of Fortune in July 2023 — opened up to PEOPLE about how he prepared in a number of ways to host the game show.

"Since I got the job, I've studied the rule book, I've watched Pat's episodes," he explained at the time. "I've rehearsed in conference rooms all over the country, depending on where I am doing work. We travel with a little wheel that we homemade to play, and I feel ready."

Seacrest also shared he was looking forward to working alongside Vanna White, the show's iconic letter-turner.

"I can't imagine Wheel of Fortune without Vanna White. It doesn't seem right, especially if there's going to be a new host," Seacrest shares. So far, he says they've been having "a magical time together."

Related: Ryan Seacrest Gives Off 'First Day of School' Energy as He Begins Filming Wheel of Fortune

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After 40 years, Sajak concluded his Wheel of Fortune run during an episode that aired in June. Addressing his exit in a monologue, he thanked fans as he passed the torch to Seacrest.

"What an honor to play even a small part in all that," Sajak said about bringing families together who viewed the show every night. "Thank you for allowing me into your lives, every time we taped a show I met three new people from all parts of this wonderful country and the world who were kind and considerate, who rooted for each other, who took great pride in talking about their family, their hometown, their friends, their schools, their jobs, even their pets."

He concluded, "In the end, they were the real stars of the show. I genuinely like these people and I'll miss the chance to meet more of them."

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