As the curtains slowly draw on Pat Sajak's four-decade tenure on Wheel of Fortune, tension is reportedly brewing on the set, with co-star Vanna White allegedly standing up to his bossy antics.
Sources close to the production reveal a palpable shift in the power dynamic between the hosts, particularly since Sajak's retirement announcement. With the countdown to his departure already in motion, White, who has been long perceived as his underpaid sidekick, has been less tolerant of Sajak's behaviors.
"Pat has a tendency to be overbearing, often boasting about his post-retirement luxurious lifestyle while the rest of the crew works hard on the show," shares an insider. "But Vanna is no longer laughing off his offensive remarks. She now actively calls him out and maintains her distance."
This unexpected behavior has left Sajak, known for his sharp tongue and commanding presence, taken aback, according to the sources. But White, it seems, has opted out of his games, focusing instead on the show's future without him.
As previously reported, show producers had been pressuring Sajak for his abrupt on-air blunders, which allegedly included mocking contestants and attempting to place one in a headlock. This ongoing friction reportedly culminated in Sajak's forced retirement.
There are rumors, however, of Sajak's potential retaliatory tactics, including penning a tell-all book divulging behind-the-scenes secrets about the show and White herself. Despite the potential discomfort, insiders suggest that White would prefer the fallout of Sajak's tell-all to another decade working alongside him.
"She's eagerly anticipating his departure," reveals the source. "With one more season to go, she's counting the days and even eyeing his hosting duties."
As fans of Wheel of Fortune brace themselves for the end of an era, it seems like the cast and crew are preparing for a shift in the wheel's direction. With White asserting herself more boldly, the dynamics of the beloved show are set to evolve, heralding a new era on the Wheel of Fortune stage.