Ryan Seacrest reveals big 'Wheel of Fortune' goal for 2025

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Ryan Seacrest is hoping he can fork over a lot of cash this year on Wheel of Fortune.

Seacrest, who took over from longtime host Pat Sajak last September, told Fox News that as he heads into his first full year fronting the game show he’s “hoping to give away a million dollars in 2025.”

“I am always impressed and grateful for what the show has meant to me before I even started working there and what it means to so many people and generations around the country,” Seacrest said while attending the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball last month in Los Angeles. “I love giving away the money. I get so excited when people win the money, and they win a lot of money. I’m hoping to give away a million dollars in 2025.”

According to TV Insider, only four contestants have taken home over a million dollars on the show, including the top winner, Autumn Erhard, who pocketed $1,030,340 on Season 30 back in 2013.

Sajak announced he was stepping away from the program in 2023, with producers tapping Seacrest, who became a household name thanks to his hosting stint on American Idol, to take over alongside co-host Vanna White just days later.

After Sajak taped his final episode last April, Seacrest, 50, paid tribute to the longtime TV personality in a post shared to social media.

“Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with Wheel of Fortune! Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades,” Seacrest wrote in his post, which included a photo and a video of him, Sajak and White on the Wheel of Fortune set. “Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers. You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere, and this marks the end of an era. Best wishes for all your future endeavors!”

But so far, some Wheel fans have been divided over Seacrest as the show’s new host.

On Reddit, a discussion post titled Ryan’s No Pat has generated several observations, including from one viewer who commented: “I’m sorry, but I can’t stomach Ryan. His delivery is smug and he seems so condescending.”

But many others backed the change, praising Seacrest as the new face of the nightly program.

“Ryan is fine he just needs to wear some colour occasionally and tell some corny jokes,” one person shared, with another adding, “I prefer Ryan. I found Pat snarky and condescending.”

Meanwhile, Seacrest recently opened up to PEOPLE about working with White, telling the outlet that they have had a “a magical time together” and she has made him feel right at home on the set.

“She’s so super generous and sweet and kind,” he said. “She even brought me — because I was saying, I drink very strong black coffee and my teeth, sometimes you can see it … She went to the store the next day. She brought me white strips.”

Calling her “an institution, an icon,” Seacrest added: “She’s amazing. She’s everything you think Vanna White will be when you meet her!”

mdaniell@postmedia.com