Ryan Seacrest, the ever-busy television host, has found himself at the center of a new chapter in the long-running saga of Wheel of Fortune. Since taking over both the regular and celebrity editions of the beloved game show, Seacrest has been praised for his smooth transition and energetic presence. But recently, he was forced to lay down a new law on set—one prompted by an unexpectedly wild moment involving two familiar faces from the world of dance.
On September 29, 2025, during a taping of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, the set was buzzing with excitement as Dancing With the Stars judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli joined as contestants. According to a joint interview with USA Today, the fun took a precarious turn during a commercial break. Derek Hough, ever the showman, decided to jump onto the center of the iconic wheel, while his fellow judge, Bruno Tonioli, gave it a spin—much like, as Seacrest later described, "the top of a cake ornament."
What might have seemed like harmless fun to some quickly set off alarm bells for the show’s hosts. Seacrest and his co-host, the legendary Vanna White, rushed to intervene. Their concern was not unfounded: the Wheel of Fortune set relies on a single, custom-built wheel for all its episodes. There is, quite literally, only one of these in existence. If it were to break, the show would face a major production crisis.
Seacrest recounted the incident to USA Today: "We did say, 'Please don't do that. That would break it, and there's only one of those wheels.'" He didn’t mince words about the potential consequences, adding, "If that breaks, we have a real problem." White, ever the poised professional, stood by his side as they explained the gravity of the situation to their energetic guests.
With the scare over, Seacrest immediately instituted a new rule for all future contestants: "stick to the ledge." That is, contestants are now explicitly directed to remain on their podiums and avoid any direct contact with the wheel itself. The new guideline is simple but firm—no more climbing, jumping, or spinning the wheel in any unconventional manner. As Seacrest put it, "We had to sort of say, 'Stick to the ledge.'" The message was clear: fun is welcome, but not at the expense of the show’s most precious asset.
The taping was able to continue without delay, and the episode ultimately turned out to be one of the more dynamic installments in recent memory. Seacrest, reflecting on the incident, noted that the physicality and exuberance of the Dancing With the Stars judges made for a lively show. "They're very physical, and that makes for fun," he told USA Today. The hosts’ quick thinking ensured that the wheel—and the show’s future—remained intact.
This episode also highlighted the unique rapport Seacrest enjoys with certain celebrity guests. His personal history with Derek Hough stretches back years: Seacrest dated Hough’s sister, Julianne Hough, from 2010 to 2013. That familiarity, Seacrest explained, helps him connect with contestants in a more genuine way. "Knowing someone, or being friends, is definitely helpful," he said. "You can kind of tease them more than somebody you don't know." That comfort level often translates to more natural banter and, by all accounts, better television.
Vanna White, who has stood beside some of America’s most famous hosts, gave Seacrest high marks. "He's been perfect," she said in the USA Today interview. "He does his job well. He did his homework even before he started. And it's paid off." White’s endorsement carries weight, especially as the show navigates a new era with Seacrest at the helm.
The incident with Hough and Tonioli, while resolved quickly and without harm, underscores just how much is at stake behind the scenes of a show as established as Wheel of Fortune. The wheel itself is more than just a prop—it’s the beating heart of the production, a symbol of the show’s enduring appeal. There’s a certain magic in its spin, a ritual that’s been repeated for decades. Risking its integrity, even for a moment of spontaneous fun, is a line the show can’t afford to cross.
This isn’t the first time Seacrest has had to balance spontaneity with responsibility. His long career, which includes stints on American Idol and Live With Kelly and Ryan, has taught him the value of preparation and quick thinking. On Wheel of Fortune, those instincts are more important than ever. The new rule—no matter how minor it may seem—reflects a broader philosophy: protect what makes the show special, even as you keep things lively for audiences and guests alike.
For viewers, the story offers a rare peek behind the curtain. While the show’s on-screen fun is carefully curated, there’s an entire world of logistics and backstage protocols that keep things running smoothly. The fact that a single misstep could threaten the continuity of the show is a reminder of just how delicate the balance can be.
Looking ahead, Seacrest’s leadership seems poised to guide Wheel of Fortune through its next chapter with both energy and care. The new rule might seem like a small footnote in the show’s long history, but it’s a testament to the ongoing commitment to maintaining the magic—without letting things spin out of control.
As for Hough and Tonioli, their playful antics may have set a new precedent, but they also contributed to a memorable episode. And for Seacrest, it was yet another lesson in the art of live television: expect the unexpected, and always protect the wheel.
With a new rule in place and a fresh sense of vigilance, Wheel of Fortune is sure to keep spinning for many seasons to come, its iconic wheel safe in the hands of those who know just how much it matters.
