Ryan Seacrest just landed a million-dollar Wheel of Fortune gig, so he’s not planning to go anywhere just yet, as the television personality revealed when asked about his retirement plans.

The former American Idol host is set to replace Pat Sajak as host of Wheel of Fortune, though he won’t begin filming until September 2024, as Sajak, 77, will continue the 2023-2024 summer season before he officially retires.

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But with Sajak having hosted the classic game show for decades, the transition is already causing (especially given the $10 million contract Ryan secured, which paled in comparison to Vanna White’s salary at the time).

Ryan Says He Almost Took A Break From T.V. Before Wheel Of Fortune

ryan seacrest closeup Instar 

During a recent interview with Good Morning America, Ryan discussed his excitement about taking over the reins from Pat.

“I’m beyond excited,” Ryan, 49, said. “I mean, Pat Sajek is a legend. No one can replace him. Vanna White, she’s become a dear friend. I’m so much looking forward to being on stage with her. And I love the show and giving away cash and prizes.”

In February, Ryan revealed he’d be exiting Live with Ryan & Kelly after several years with the television show. Though he admits he originally was planning to take a break, the Wheel of Fortune opportunity was too good to pass up, so Seacrest says he definitely won’t be retiring anytime soon.

“I’m very excited about that and fortunately I signed a deal to stay on the radio with iHeartRadio for a few more years, so I will postpone retirement,” he said. “I thought after Live With Kelly and Ryan I was going to take a break, but why?”

Vanna Lawyered Up When Ryan’s Starting Salary Was Triple Hers

Vanna White and Pat Sajak walking togethervia Instar 

After Seacrest’s new Wheel of Fortune gig was announced, it was revealed Vanna White’s salary was $3 million per year and had remained at that figure for the last 18 years.

Given that Seacrest’s starting salary would be triple what Vanna was making, despite being with the show for nearly as long as Sajak (who was making $15 million per season before his retirement), many people were outraged, including Vanna herself. The television host quickly lawyered up to negotiate a new contract with the network.

Pat-Sajak-Maggie-SajakRelated 

Wheel of Fortune’s Pat Sajak’s daughter Maggie has only made appearances on the game show every now and then.

In September, it was revealed Vanna reached an agreement that would extend her contract for the next two years. The exact figure she’ll be receiving per season hasn’t been revealed, though it was reported she was seeking at least half of what Sajak made.

“50 percent of Pat’s salary is so outrageous that no one in their right mind could say that it’s fair,” a source told PEOPLE. “The negotiation is asking for much more than 50 percent of his salary. It’s asking for the same pay — if not more.”

Seacrest has never officially commented on the controversy around Vanna’s salary.