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It’s been six months since Pat Sajak retired from Wheel of Fortune after hosting the game show for 43 years.
You can tell he’s been sorely missed, because on Monday night, fans were happily shocked when Sajak returned to host Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune with his longtime co-host Vanna White!
Sajak Returns
“Apparently I’m back on TV tonight. I guess I’d better shave and shower,” Sajak, 78, wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
At the start of Monday’s episode, Sajak and White, 67, walked out together just as they always had. The three celebrity guests were Dionne Warwick, 83, Chance the Rapper, 31, and Lil Jon, 53. Each of them were playing for charity.
Chance was the big winner at the end of the night, taking home $63,800 for SocialWorks. This is a group that empowers youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement in Chicago.
Meanwhile, Warwick and Lil Jon each garnered $30,000 for their respective charities; North Jersey Community Research Initiative and Open Paths Counseling Center.
Find out more about Sajak’s night in the video below.
Related: Ryan Seacrest Enrages ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Fans With ‘Mistake Pat Would Never Make’
Fans Rejoice
Fans made it clear on social media that they were happy to have Sajak back. On Wheel of Fortune, he’s been replaced this fall by Ryan Seacrest.
“This was so much fun tonight,” one fan commented. “I like Ryan but thrilled to see Pat back & great guests. Lil John was very fun & Dionne is a legend & Chance was an absolute delight.”
“I’m not crying. You’re crying,” another fan commented. A third person wrote, “AAAAAH!!! WHO ELSE HAS GOOSEBUMPS???”
Sajak pre-recorded this holiday-themed episode along with others that will air in 2025. Specific dates for the remaining Celebrity Wheel of Fortune episodes, however, have not been revealed at this time. These episodes will be Sajak’s last on the game show.
Related: Pat Sajak Takes Home First Emmy In 26 Years After Retiring From ‘Wheel Of Fortune’
Sajak Says Goodbye
Fans were left devastated when Sajak retired from Wheel of Fortune back in June.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he said at the end of his final show. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all of you watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
“And I’ve always felt like the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half hour a safe place for family fun,” he continued. “No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing I hope, just a game.”
And for that, fans have been grateful!
Check out Sajak’s full goodbye in the video below.
Seacrest, 49, took over hosting Wheel of Fortune with White back in September. While his ratings have been good, Seacrest has struggled to win over some longtime fans who dearly miss Sajak.
Monday’s episode of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune serves as a reminder of what a pro Sajak really is. Though we can understand why he’d want to retire, we’d still love to see Sajak back on Wheel of Fortune again!