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East Aurora Today
By the People, for the People
Wheel of Fortune Contestant Loses Car After Criticizing Ryan Seacrest
Contestant Anita Quinn, 83, says she had 'no faith' in Seacrest as new host compared to Pat Sajak.
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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During a recent episode of Wheel of Fortune, contestant Anita Quinn from East Aurora, New York, revealed that she had 'no faith' in Ryan Seacrest taking over as host of the game show, comparing him unfavorably to longtime host Pat Sajak. Seacrest acknowledged Quinn's comments, but another contestant ended up losing out on winning a car after failing to solve the puzzle.
Why it matters
Wheel of Fortune is one of the longest-running and most popular game shows on television, so any changes to the hosting lineup are closely watched by devoted fans. Seacrest's transition as the new host has been met with some skepticism, as he tries to fill the shoes of the iconic Sajak.
The details
During the contestant interviews, Seacrest said to Quinn, 'I understand you didn't have a lot of faith in me in the beginning of my start here at Wheel.' Quinn, who is 83 years old and has three granddaughters, explained that she had watched the show in the 1980s with Sajak and Vanna White, and felt Seacrest didn't measure up. Another contestant, however, ended up losing out on winning a car after failing to solve the puzzle.
- The episode aired on March 5, 2026.
The players
Anita Quinn
An 83-year-old contestant from East Aurora, New York, who expressed doubts about Ryan Seacrest taking over as host of Wheel of Fortune.
Ryan Seacrest
The new host of Wheel of Fortune, who is trying to fill the shoes of longtime host Pat Sajak.
Pat Sajak
The longtime host of Wheel of Fortune, who Anita Quinn compared Seacrest unfavorably to.
Vanna White
The longtime co-host of Wheel of Fortune, who Anita Quinn watched in the 1980s alongside Pat Sajak.
What they’re saying
“Yes. Vanna [White], I watched you in the 80s with Pat [Sajak], and I thought, when Pat...”
— Anita Quinn, Contestant
“I understand you didn't have a lot of faith in me in the beginning of my start here at Wheel.”
— Ryan Seacrest, Host
The takeaway
This episode highlights the challenges Seacrest faces in taking over as host of the iconic Wheel of Fortune, as long-time fans like Anita Quinn remain skeptical of the change. The show's producers will need to work to win over viewers who are attached to the Sajak-White hosting duo.
