Wheel of Fortune fans furiously defend Vanna White amid ongoing contract negotiations – and claim Ryan Seacrest is going to ‘TANK’ the show after taking over from Pat Sajak

Wheel of Fortune fans have staunchly defended Vanna White over her ongoing contract negotiations ahead of the new series – and claimed Ryan Seacrest will ‘tank’ the show.

The program’s official Instagram account sparked furious backlash after uploading a snap earlier this week to promote the latest season premiering on September 11 – which will be Pat Sajak’s last.

It featured the 76-year-old standing side-by-side with beaming co-host White, 66, and was shared alongside a playful caption that read: ’41 never looked so good.’

But, rather than stirring up enthusiasm for the upcoming shows, the post was instead flooded with comments about White’s ongoing contract negotiations following the news that Seacrest, 48, would be taking over from Sajak in 2024.

Wheel of Fortune fans have staunchly defended Vanna White ahead of the new series and claimed Ryan Seacrest will ‘tank’ the show after Pat Sajak’s retirement

New era: White is reportedly asking for just half of Sajak’s $15 million salary ahead of Seacrest replacing him in 2024

Wheel of Fortune fans rushed to the comments to share their thoughts on the situation – and did not hold back.

One wrote: ‘Probably the last season since Ryan Seacrest will tank it and you won’t give Vanna a raise.’

Another asked: ‘Does Vanna get a pay raise this season?’

And a third said: ‘Great job you two!!! She needs a raise already!!! What are you waiting for??? Do it!!!’

The outpouring of support for White comes just weeks after DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that she felt Wheel Of Fortune bosses considered her to be ‘replaceable.’

The TV personality believes there is also a ‘lack of respect for her’ after the show hired Seacrest as Sajak’s successor – less than two weeks after the longtime host publicly announced he was stepping down – without offering her a chance to take on the role.

An insider said: ‘She was disappointed that they didn’t give her more of a chance to take over Pat’s job, or that she wasn’t able to give her two cents on the replacement.

‘She didn’t assume they would be making the announcement of his replacement so soon.’

The program’s official Instagram sparked furious backlash after uploading a snap earlier this week to promote the latest season premiering on September 11 – which will be Pat Sajak’s last

Wheel of Fortune fans rushed to the comments to share their thoughts on the situation – and did not hold back

The source was quick to emphasize White had ‘nothing but respect for Ryan and will be happy to work with him, but it just shows a lack of respect in her eyes that they have for her.’

‘She wants to be with the show for as long as she wants to be on the show, on her terms. She believes she deserves it,’ the source added.

‘It is a major uphill battle, especially when money is involved and she sees the writing on the wall that they think she is replaceable.

‘There will be lots of negotiations, but if she gets replaced and is not given a new contract, she will be beyond heartbroken.

‘This has been her life, it would be just as powerful as a death if she doesn’t continue with the show.’

Sajak announced in July that he would be retiring in 2024.

‘Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,’ he wrote on Twitter at the time.

‘It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)’

The outpouring of support for White comes just weeks after DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that she felt Wheel Of Fortune bosses considered her to be ‘replaceable’

White first joined Wheel of Fortune in 1982 when she was 25 years old and has been the presenter and co-host opposite Sajak ever since

It was followed shortly after by a personal announcement from Seacrest to reveal he would be helming the show after Season 41 wraps up in June next year.

‘I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,’ he said in a statement on social media.

‘I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.’

Seacrest went on to write a heartfelt message to the longtime frontman of the show.

‘Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition,’ he said.

Seacrest added: ‘I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.’

White first joined Wheel of Fortune in 1982 when she was 25 years old and has been the presenter opposite Sajak ever since.

It is thought that White’s contract negotiations are still ongoing.

Seacrest will reportedly continue to host American Idol and his KIIS-FM radio show, On Air With Ryan Seacrest.