As the iconic game show Wheel of Fortune continues to entertain audiences in 2025, new host Ryan Seacrest has been making headlines—not just for his hosting style but also for his unexpected tumbles on set. Seacrest, who took over from longtime host Pat Sajak, recently experienced a hard fall during a live episode while attempting to re-enact a quirky British tradition known as cheese rolling.
The incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during the show's Festivals and Celebrations Week. In a playful segment, Seacrest and co-host Vanna White were promoting the Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling Festival, where participants chase a wheel of cheese down a hill. "I found my new favorite festival," Seacrest said during the episode, expressing his excitement about the peculiar event. "It’s called Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling Festival in the U.K. Participants race down the hill chasing after a wheel of cheese. In the end, you get the cheese. So, what could be better?"
With White holding a fake block of cheese, Seacrest enthusiastically declared, "I was born for this," before taking off in pursuit of the cheese as White rolled it across the set. However, after about five runs, Seacrest took a tumble, landing flat on the studio floor. White gasped, covering her mouth in surprise, while the audience erupted in laughter. "Oh no! Are you going to be okay?" she asked, showing genuine concern. Seacrest quickly got back up, clutching the cheese and running back to White, who cheered, "He’s okay! Woo!" This lighthearted moment was captured and shared on the show’s Instagram account, accompanied by a caption that humorously noted, "If we had a nickel for every time Ryan ended up on the floor this season…"
Seacrest's fall was not an isolated incident; he has been known to take several spills since assuming his role as host. Fans have enjoyed watching his antics, which include everything from breakdancing to being put in a headlock by a former wrestler. Despite the falls, Seacrest has received a warm reception from audiences, who appreciate his efforts to connect with White and bring his own flair to the show.
Vanna White, who has been a staple of Wheel of Fortune for over four decades, recently opened up about her decision to remain on the show after Sajak's departure. Speaking on the Holding Kourt podcast, she reflected on the challenges of adjusting to a new partner. "When Pat told me he was leaving the show, I had a big decision to make. Am I gonna stay? Do I go out with him after 41 years together?" she recounted. White ultimately chose to stay, expressing her happiness with her job and her new co-host. "Ryan has been doing an incredible job. We’re about to wrap up our first year. And I think it’s obviously a huge transition," she noted, acknowledging the difficulty of adjusting to a new dynamic after so many years with Sajak.
White also recognized the drama that often surrounds contract negotiations, hinting at some tension but ultimately expressing satisfaction with her new agreement and the show's direction. "There’s always contracts, there’s always controversy and all that stuff, but everything’s fine. I’m happy. We’re here," she said, reassuring fans of the show's stability.
As Seacrest continues to find his footing, fans have been quick to compliment his performance. Many appreciate the chemistry he has developed with White, which has helped ease the transition for viewers who were used to the Sajak-White duo. "The first day Ryan walked in, he said, ‘Listen, no one can ever replace Pat. I’m just here to do the best job I can,’" White shared, highlighting Seacrest's respectful acknowledgment of the legacy left by Sajak.
Looking ahead, the Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling Festival will take place on May 26, 2025, drawing thousands of spectators and competitors eager to participate in the unique event. The festival, which has been a tradition for over 600 years, allows participants aged 18 and older to chase a wheel of cheese down a hill, with no registration required. The cheese rolls down the hill at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour, making it a thrilling experience for both competitors and onlookers alike.
In addition to the cheese rolling antics, Wheel of Fortune fans will also have the chance to see Sajak one last time in the upcoming Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, premiering on April 30, 2025. This special episode was filmed before his retirement and promises to be a nostalgic farewell for long-time viewers.
As Seacrest continues to navigate his new role, it’s clear that he’s committed to making Wheel of Fortune his own while paying homage to its rich history. The laughter and lighthearted moments—like his recent fall—have only added to the charm of the show, proving that while change can be challenging, it can also be entertaining.
With Seacrest at the helm, Wheel of Fortune remains a beloved fixture in American television, continuing to captivate audiences with its blend of fun, games, and unexpected moments. Whether he’s chasing cheese or recovering from a fall, one thing is for sure: Ryan Seacrest is not just filling Pat Sajak's shoes; he’s carving out his own path on this iconic stage.
