Vanna White will not be appearing in several episodes of the popular game show “Wheel of Fortune” as she recovers from COVID-19.
The Times has confirmed that “Wheel” has chosen Bridgette Donald-Blue, the recipient of the “Teacher of the Year” award, to temporarily replace the iconic letter-turner for five episodes. White fell ill in late July and missed a day of filming during the show’s Teachers Week, according to a source familiar with the production.
The news of White’s absence comes amidst reports of tense contract negotiations between White, Sony, and the show’s producers. White, who has been a part of the show for over four decades, is reportedly earning only half of what outgoing host Pat Sajak makes and has not received a raise in 18 years, as per Puck News.
This will be the first time in more than 30 years that White will miss an episode of “Wheel of Fortune.” She has only been absent three times before, as reported by TVLine.
Prior to the announcement of Ryan Seacrest as Pat Sajak’s successor, fans had campaigned for Vanna White to take on the role. Seacrest, a mega-producer and TV host, expressed his gratitude to follow in Sajak’s footsteps, acknowledging the privilege of watching them on TV for 40 years.
Bridgette Donald-Blue is a fourth-grade teacher at Coliseum Street Elementary and one of the five instructors named as the 2023 California Teachers of the Year by the California Teachers Association in October.
“I feel honored to be selected as a California Teacher of the Year,” Donald-Blue said in October. “Working with the students, teachers, staff, and parents of Los Angeles Unified is a privilege.”
Times staff writer Nardine Saad contributed to this report.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
