Why Vanna White will be missing from 'Wheel of Fortune': report

Publish date: 2024-07-31

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The wheel keeps on turnin’ — even without Vanna White.

Puck News reported Friday that White, 66, isn’t working the show’s annual “Teachers Week” this season after being diagnosed with COVID-19 — her absence coinciding with her ongoing contract negotiations.

The longtime letter-turner reportedly contracted the virus in late July while “Wheel of Fortune” taped its teacher episodes, which are scheduled to air in October. Now a source is explaining why filming couldn’t wait until White got better.

“Teachers had already arrived in L.A. to tape the episodes and, with the academic school year starting, it was not feasible to reschedule that day,” an unidentified source told TVLine last week.

“In keeping with the ‘Teachers Week’ theme… [California-based ‘Teacher of the Year’ recipient] Bridgette Donald-Blue graciously agreed fill in for Vanna for those five episodes.”

Vanna White won’t be appearing on the “Teachers Week” episodes of “Wheel of Fortune” this season — but for good reason, according to a new report. ABC via Getty Images
“Teachers had already arrived in L.A. to tape the episodes and, with the academic school year starting, it was not feasible to reschedule that day,” an unidentified source told TVLine last week. AP
It has been rumored that White is in the middle of salary negotiations ahead of host Pat Sajak’s departure. AP

The Post reached out to “Wheel” and White representatives for comment.

The source claimed producers were able to reschedule filming on the following day, meaning that White’s absence will only span one TV week instead of two.

The news comes months after longtime “Wheel” host Pat Sajak, 76, announced his retirement in June.

Ryan Seacrest, 48, has been named his successor.

It’s unclear what White’s role will be upon Sajak’s exit.

According to a June report by Puck News, White hasn’t received a raise in 18 years.

White has reportedly hired a high-powered attorney, Bryan Freedman, to help her with negotiations.
Sajak announced his retirement in June. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
White joined the show in 1982. Courtesy Everett Collection

It’s been reported that White is in the middle of serious salary negotiations, hiring high-powered “aggressive” attorney Bryan Freedman to broker the deal.

He has represented a slew of Hollywood heavyweights, including short-lived “Jeopardy!” host Mike Richards.

White has been with the show since 1982.

Puck News reported she has been making $3 million a year since 2005, while a 2016 report from Forbes alleged that Sajak cashes in a hefty $15 million a year.

Publicly, White has remained silent on the alleged negotiations. ABC via Getty Images
According to one unidentified insider, White is asking for the same pay as Sajak. CTD

While one report claimed White was holding out for half of Sajak’s salary, another source recently disputed that assertion.

“50% of Pat’s salary is so outrageous that no one in their right mind could say that it’s fair,” the unidentified insider told People last month.

“The negotiation is asking for much more than 50% of his salary. It’s asking for the same pay — if not more.”

White has stayed mum on the rumors, including last month when she hopped aboard TMZ’s celebrity bus tour with her son, Nikko, in Beverly Hills.

The outlet captured her greeting riders, with one asking if she would be coming back to “Wheel.”

She simply laughed and smiled, telling them all, “Time to say goodbye,” as she exited the vehicle.

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