Ryan Seacrest and Pat Sajak Playing ‘Silly, Childish Game’ for Vanna White’s Attention

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Ryan Seacrest is still walking on eggshells around Wheel of Fortune costar Vanna White, but he’s determined to win her over — and it’s created quite the tug-of-war with Pat Sajak.

“Ryan’s going all out to make himself more likable to Vanna, which hasn’t been easy, especially with the hold Pat continues to have over her,” an insider exclusively tells Closer.

Ryan, 49, made his debut as the new Wheel of Fortune host last month, bringing in the largest premiere week audience in five years. But Pat, 77, hasn’t taken his final spin just yet. The TV icon will join the famed letter turner, 67, for his final season of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune in 2025.

According to the source, “It’s become a silly, childish game between [Ryan and Pat] to get her on their side. It makes Ryan so jealous to see that bond she’s got with Pat. If he could woo her over, it would be the icing on the cake on what’s been an amazing run so far.”

The trouble is Ryan and Vanna have “a sensitive relationship,” the source reveals. The American Idol host is “convinced the reason things have been so tepid with Vanna” is because of Pat, adding that he’s likely “whining in her ear about him and stirring the pot.”

The source continues, “If Ryan could spend one-on-one time with her — maybe a cozy lunch or three, like Pat enjoys — maybe he could turn things around and make this a pleasurable place to work. Of course, Ryan’s getting great ratings, but it’s not cracking the ice on the set.”

A separate source told Closer last month that Pat is encouraging Vanna to hang on tight to Wheel of Fortune despite feeling lost amid the regime change.

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“Vanna has Pat on speed dial, and she’s been keeping him fully appraised on how Ryan is moving along. She thinks the world of Pat,” the source said. “Where Ryan is determined and ambitious, Pat is all charisma. The truth is, Vanna feels lost, and Ryan doesn’t hold a candle to the connection she always shared with Pat.”

After all, Vanna and Pat appeared together on Wheel of Fortune starting in 1982. “They are missing each other terribly,” the insider said of the pair.

Vanna also made it clear how deeply she was going to miss Pat in a June 6 farewell video ahead of their final show together.

“I can’t believe that tomorrow is our last show together. I don’t know how to put into words what these past 41 years have meant to me, but I’m gonna try,” Vanna began, adding that their “8,000 episodes went by like that.”

The South Carolina native said of their early years together on the game show, “You made me so comfortable and made me so confident, Pat. You made me who I am, you really did.”

“Those memories, milestones and life events we shared with our families outside the studio are my favorite,” Vanna continued. “We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve celebrated. What an incredible and unforgettable journey we’ve had. And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it with you.”

She concluded, “You’re like a brother to me and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always adore. I love you, Pat.”