Ryan Seacrest may be about as tried and tested as they come in the entertainment industry, but he’s feeling the pressure as he prepares to take over from Pat Sajak as host of Wheel of Fortune.
That’s according to sources in the US, with Radar Online reporting that he’s turning to a set of unique methods in a bid to calm his anxieties over the huge new gig.
Fans will be well aware that 77-year-old Sajak is stepping down from hosting duties after over four decades at the helm of the popular show. Seacrest, 49, has been chosen to replace him, but it should go without saying that filling such shoes presents a monumental task.
And though Seacrest boasts a long and distinguished career on TV, insiders insist that he’s not impervious to the pressure and expectations that come with accepting such an iconic role.
One source close to Seacrest told Radar Online: “Ryan tends to bite off more than he can chew.
“He’s a bundle of nerves right now, but he wanted to be the next Dick Clark and that’s what he’s become. He’s only human, though — and filling Pat Sajak’s huge shoes on Wheel of Fortune is a challenge of epic proportions.”
If anyone is up to the job then it’s safe to assume that Seacrest, who also hosts American Idol, is a prime candidate, but he’s turning to a number of tried-and-tested methods in order to get himself ready. Post-Sajak episodes of Wheel of Fortune, it’s said, will begin airing this September.
“He’s doing everything possible to cope with the inevitable nerves ahead of his hosting gig, and that includes getting at least eight hours of sleep a night and listening to audio books for anxiety because Ryan never knows how to clock off on his own,” the aforementioned source told Radar.
“He has many other tricks up his sleeve he’s found to be highly beneficial. Just going outside for a breath of fresh air and sunshine helps him to chill when he’s feeling anxious, and you can bet he’ll have a cozy, air-conditioned trailer at the studio where he can retreat to unwind.”
Seacrest posted a heartfelt tribute to Sajak three weeks ago, during in which he praised the legendary host’s partnership with Vanna White, 67, and claimed Sajak had “set the standard for hosts everywhere.”
“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’s Instagram post reads.
“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.”
Do you think Ryan Seacrest will be a good replacement for Pat Sajak? Let us know in the comments box.
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