Pictured
DATE NIGHT?
Ryan Seacrest seen with mystery woman as new Wheel of Fortune host enjoys night out hours after Pat Sajak’s last episode
Fans have had mixed opinions about Ryan taking over as host of the game show
RYAN Seacrest has enjoyed a night out with a mystery lady hours after Pat Sajak officially ended his run as Wheel of Fortune host.
It was announced last June that Ryan, 49, was taking over for Pat, 77, as host of Wheel of Fortune following his retirement.
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On Friday, Pat's final episode as host of the game show aired on ABC, and shortly after, photos circulated showing how Ryan spent the evening.
They captured the American Idol host and an unidentified brunette sitting in the backseat of a car, driven by Ryan's personal driver.
The former Live notable appeared in good spirits as they left the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Los Angeles, California, but the women shielded her face from the cameras.
Ryan is newly single after breaking things off with his longtime girlfriend, Aubrey Paige, 27, in late April.
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The TV star appeared to have been focused on work more than dating lately, given he's taking over for Pat, the longest-running host of a single game show in history.
Ryan began filming new episodes of Wheel of Fortune in February with Pat's longtime co-host, Vanna White, 67, which are expected to premiere in September.
Fans have had mixed reviews about Ryan stepping in as host, with some believing he wouldn't be in the position for long.
"Seacrest is an interesting replacement choice. Will be strange seeing him on the show for some time," one person said about Ryan's new gig in an online thread.
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"Seacrest is everyone's replacement," a second wrote.
"If you say 'generic inoffensive white guy' into a mirror three times, Ryan Seacrest appears," someone else added.
Wheel of Fortune fans label 'busy' Ryan Seacrest a 'bad fit' as they have a 'better' replacement in mind
"Of course Seacrest will be out, that's his catchphrase. Seacrest! Out!!!" a third predicted.
However, Ryan didn't seem fazed by the backlash as he recently appeared in a post praising him as the "best host."
It was shared on Idol's official Instagram page, showing Ryan posing with contestants from different seasons.
"Thanks to the best host Ryan Seacrest for another year of love & laughs!!" the post read.
Ryan Seacrest and Aubrey Paige Relationship Timeline
Ryan Seacrest and Aubrey Paige dated for three years and kept their relationship private. Find out when they began dating and when they broke up.
Ryan and Aubrey Paige Petcosky were first linked together when they celebrated Memorial Day 2021 in the Hamptons
They kept their relationship private, but made their first public appearance in June 2022
They attended the premiere of Halftime at the Tribeca festival and walked the red carpet together
Aubrey made an appearance on Live with Kelly and Ryan on April 2023 during Ryan's last show
Many fans thought the American Idol host was going to propose
However, the proposal never came because Ryan and Aubrey split up in April 2024
"They plan to stay in each other’s lives as good friends and support one another’s endeavors," a source confirmed to People
"Such an incredible season," Ryan added.
Some who've criticized Ryan's abilities to replace Pat on Wheel of Fortune have called for the legendary host's daughter, Maggie, 29, to take on the role.
"Maggie should be the host!! I don't know who thought Seacrest was a good fit," one fan complained in the comments of a recent post shared on the show's Instagram page of Pat and Maggie chatting about his final days on the show.
"You are so loved. I think Maggie and Vanna should run the show. That would be awesome," another suggested.
"Definitely do not feel they chose the right host if they wanted to keep the show on the air. Very disappointing," said a third.
Previously, fans rooted for Vanna to carry the show since she'd been working alongside Pat for decades.
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Pat started hosting WoF in 1981 and Vanna joined a year later.
The U.S. Sun exclusively reported that Vanna's future on the show will depend on the first few episodes co-hosting with Ryan and whether they have the "chemistry" to continue together.
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