Nov. 8 (UPI) — “Wheel of Fortune” announced Friday on its social media channels that longtime letter turner Vanna White is filling in as host after Pat Sajak underwent emergency surgery.
Sajak had intestinal surgery on Thursday, prompting the game show to cancel the Thursday night taping. Sajak is recovering from the operation.
Sajak has been the host of “Wheel of Fortune” since he took over for Chuck Woolery in 1981. He is 73. White joined the show in 1982 and the duo have been closely identified with the show for decades.
The show shared a picture of the game board displaying the message “Get Well Soon Pat!”
On “Wheel of Fortune,” contestants spin a wheel displaying various dollar amounts. Whatever number it rests on is the value of every correct letter they guess. If the contestant guesses a correct letter, White reveals every instance of that letter on the board until a contestant can guess the entire phrase.
In the game show world, “Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. He revealed in September that he needed to undergo a second round of chemotherapy.
Wheel of Fortune
✔@WheelofFortune
Our taping on Thursday was canceled because host Pat Sajak underwent successful emergency surgery to correct a blocked intestine. He is resting comfortably and looking forward to getting back to work. Taping resumed today as scheduled and Vanna White has stepped in as host.
