Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White have “obvious chemistry” off-camera as the “Wheel of Fortune” co-hosts laugh backstage

WHEEL of Fortune host Ryan Seacrest has a behind-the-scenes crush on his legendary co-star Vanna White, as the US Sun exclusively revealed.

Ryan, 49, has recently become single after splitting from much younger model Aubrey Paige Petcosky earlier this year.

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Although he often dates women in their twenties, he admitted that he was overwhelmed by the timeless beauty of 67-year-old Vanna while working with her on the game show.

Insiders also say the former American Idol host is well-liked by the crew after replacing Pat Sajak on WoF, who recently retired after hosting the show since 1981.

“Ryan has already settled in well at Wheel of Fortune, he is agile and feels at home in the role,” a source told the US Sun.

“There's obviously good chemistry between him and Vanna, even off camera, and he makes the TV audience want her. Ryan has a crush on her.

“At one of the first shoots, he called her a legend and an icon and even said that his heart was pounding in his throat when he stood next to her.

“She laughed at the comments and is a little more reserved, but it's clear she enjoys working with him and believes he has a future on the show. They get on really well.”

The insider said that between takes, they often go behind the large puzzle board to chat, get their makeup touched up and figure out the answer to the next question.

“Ryan told the live audience that there was a lot of laughter backstage and that he was surprised that Vanna could sing since she often belts out Motown songs,” they continued. “He said she has a great voice.”

CONTRACT EXTENDED

“Vanna said Ryan has 'big shoes to fill, but he's doing a great job,' adding that she misses Pat Sajak but respects his decision to retire.”

However, the source added that the topic of Vanna's retirement is off the table as she has no plans to go anywhere in the near future.

It was reported that after lengthy negotiations, she extended her contract for another two years to continue on the syndicated game show and work with Ryan.

She previously told TV Insider: “When I heard Pat was retiring, I thought maybe I should retire too. But I'm not ready! We'll see how I feel towards the end of these two years. I thank God that after all these years, I still love my job.”

Although Vanna is not married, unfortunately for Ryan she is not on the market as she has been with her partner John Donaldson for over a decade.

In 2023, she told PEOPLE, “I mean, we've been together for 12 years and it feels like we're married.”

Ryan and his girlfriend Aubrey, 26, have split up after three years together.

A source told PEOPLE the news of their split in April.

“After three wonderful years together, Ryan and Aubrey have mutually decided to go their separate ways,” they said.

Wheel of Fortune Moderator Timeline

The popular game show premiered in 1975 and has had several legendary hosts throughout its nearly 50 seasons.

“They plan to remain in each other's lives as good friends and support each other in their endeavors.”

Ryan is now fully focused on his career again and has abandoned the relaxed presenting style of his predecessor Pat in favor of a “hipper, faster and less sleepy” version, a source told the US Sun before the first episode aired this month.

Despite their different styles, Ryan paid tribute to Pat for his “dedication, charm and wit” during the TV legend’s final episode aired in June this year.

“Your partnership with Vanna was simply iconic and together you created countless wonderful memories for viewers,” Ryan wrote on Instagram.

“They set the standard for hosts everywhere and this marks the end of an era.”

Although his new presenting style was welcomed by many, the set was sharply criticized by some fans of the show after its initial unveiling in August.

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