Plus, a first look at the changes to the Wheel of Fortune set

RYAN Seacrest and Vanna White have put their close bond on display, shutting down speculation that they’re struggling with chemistry.

Amid doubts about his ability to take over for Pat Sajak, who retired after 40 years of hosting the game show, the American Idol star and Vanna, 67, appeared in some sweet snaps together that should dispel any rumors.

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Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest shared a behind-the-scenes pic of them ahead of the Wheel of Fortune premiereCredit: Instagram / Ryan Seacrest

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Fans have been split about Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest as a co-hosting duoCredit: Instagram / Ryan Seacrest
In the first photo in his post, Ryan, 49, sat beside his Wheel of Fortune co-star on a couch backstage, as each of them reached for the lid of a black box.

The box had the name of the game show on it, as well as RSTLNE, the letters given to contestants in puzzle rounds.

Ryan and Vanna were smiling excitedly at one another in the pic.

The TV personality had on a gray suit, while Vanna wore a sparkly teal dress.

In the second photo, they looked excitedly at a mini version of the Wheel of Fortune wheel and revealed what was inside the box lid.

It read, “Ryan Seacrest to Launch New Era.”

“We’re so excited for this New Era of Wheel,” Ryan wrote in his caption.

In the comments, fans shared kind words for the duo ahead of the Wheel of Fortune season premiere.

“Wishing everyone the best of luck on the new season,” wrote one excited user.

“Ryan will just be his own lovable self and do a great job on Wheel! No one can fill Pat Sajak’s legendary shoes, but there’s no need to!! Each are legends in their own ways!! But Ryan will do Pat proud, just like he did Dick Clark proud,” praised a second supporter.

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Wheel of Fortune reveals first look of Ryan Seacrest on set with contestants and walking out arm-in-arm with Vanna White
“Ryan will attract a whole new audience watching this show. That’s a good thing,” penned a third.

“If Ken Jennings can do it on Jeopardy, Ryan has this in the bad. I think Ken is Terrific on Jeopardy. Ryan will be equally terrific hosting Wheel,” gushed a fourth fan referring to Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings, who took over for the late Alex Trebek.

“Ryan: You will be an awesome host and you’ll be great with Vanna!! Cannot wait for the new season!! Keep the insider pics coming!” urged a fifth viewer.

“Everything you do Ryan is great. Can’t wait to see the new season,” wrote another commenter.

MAJOR DOUBTS

However, some longtime Wheel of Fortune viewers have cast doubt on Ryan’s ability to host the show.

Some have labeled him “bland” and “unwatchable,” while others remain hopeful yet wary.

In July, a promo for the show was released amid rumors about Ryan and Vanna’s connection.

The pair were seen working out and laughing together on the game show set, seemingly quieting chatter about them struggling to get along.

The trailer, posted on the show’s Instagram showed the duo standing together on the Wheel of Fortune set.

“I can’t wait to get to work,” Ryan exclaimed.

Vanna, with a megaphone in her hand, shouted, “Let’s get you ready for fall.”

The camera then panned to them leaning over the wheel, which had a pile of bricks on it.

“You weren’t kidding, this is great for the biceps,” Ryan told Vanna.

She smiled as she lifted a brick in a bicep curl and turned to the camera, making a face.

“Ryan’s building his Wheel-spinning muscles – one brick at a time,” the caption read.

Despite the light nature of the video, critics struggled to see past their dislike for Ryan.

“What a poor choice!” one person critiqued.

“I can’t believe I can never watch wheel of fortune again…,” complained another.

“Seacrest is so bland,” slammed a third viewer, as a fourth rage, “I won’t be watching.”

Not everyone had negative things to say, however.

“Pat Sajak left some huge shoes to fill. I wish Ryan Seacrest the best of luck in this new role! Y’all gotta remember, everyone is new at something at some point,” wrote another.

AT ODDS?

Ahead of the teaser’s release, several outlets reported that Vanna was considering stepping away from her role on Wheel of Fortune due to a lack of chemistry with Ryan.

The pair spent the summer filming episodes of the game show, which will air in the fall.

Reports surfaced that Vanna was considering following in Pat’s footsteps, retiring from the show that she’s co-hosted since 1982.

According to reports, producers were eyeing Kim Kardashian as her replacement.

An Insider told Life & Style at time time, “They’ve compiled a list of folks to replace Vanna, and Kim Kardashian is at the top.”

The source added that Ryan was hoping to revamp Wheel of Fortune, making it “younger and sexier.”

Part of that, according to the insider, included having Vanna leave the show in favor of someone younger viewers would recognize.

The same source said that Ryan and Vanna struggled to find their groove together while filming.

“After Pat quit, Vanna was optimistic about working with Ryan, but they have zero chemistry and no vibe,” they claimed.

“Plus, she could be his mother.”

The same day the report came out, Vanna shared an Instagram photo of her and Ryan enjoying a meal together.

“Friends on and off camera. Enjoying one of our favorites, Chicken and Dumplings!” she captioned the snap.

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Rumors have swirled that Vanna White was considering leaving Wheel of Fortune due to a lack of connection with Ryan SeacrestCredit: Wheel of Fortune

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Vanna White and Pat Sajak co-hosted Wheel of Fortune together for nearly four decadesCredit: Getty

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Wheel of Fortune star Vanna White has seemingly tried to shut down rumors about her and Ryan Seacrest lacking chemistry, sharing pics of them togetherCredit: YouTube/johnallen