RYAN Seacrest is famed for his high-octane presenting style, which has brought him massive popularity and a fan base in the millions.
But according to a body language expert, Vanna White’s “teeth clenching” has shown her uncertainty over the new Wheel of Fortune co-host’s “puppy-like” conduct on set.
Ryan, 49, was declared the new Wheel of Fortune host in June after long-term host Pat Sajak announced his departure.
The Los Angeles-based TV star teased the hosting gig through August, which airs tonight on CBS.
“So, I just — I can’t — it’s hard to say this because I can’t believe it’s happening, but I am hosting Wheel of Fortune,” he told radio show, 102.7 KIIS FM listeners.
He excitedly said that Season 42 would be “a brand new era of Wheel of Fortune.”
Meanwhile, Vanna, 67, spoke calmly on CBS and confirmed she felt “nervous” about the chemistry with Ryan.
“That’s so true. I had no idea what to expect when I’m used to one person for so long,” Vanna told correspondent Luke Burbank.
Body language expert Judy James spotted an “energy shift” on set.
“The body language dynamic in all the Wheel of Fortune promotion footage showed an instant shift of energy,” she told The U.S. Sun.
“Ryan’s energy levels are off the scale compared to Pat Sajak’s and Vanna’s.
“It will be down to Vanna to decide whether to match these levels and Ryan’s energy spikes.
“She appeared unsure whether to stand back and let it all roll over her.
“For now, there is a profound shift in the Wheel of Fortune status and pecking order continuum.”
James claimed a few of Vanna’s hosting mannerisms were, in fact, similar to Ryan’s.
“Ryan and Vanna do have some of the same posing traits when they both present,” she said.
“They can look twinned in terms of their non-verbal energy.
“We can see this when they both lean on the desk or point at the wheel.
“They also both sport wide, dazzling, over-kill smiles with eye-crinkling.
“This could end up producing competition.”
James spotted an element of tension between the pair that had already originated from Vanna.
“One gesture also showed the beginnings of tension between the pair,” she said.
“At times, Vanna’s fingers were pointed and stretched out.
“This showed a desire to try and ingratiate Ryan, but his fingers stayed bent.”
Veteran presenter Pat, 77, retired in June after 42 years at the job.
In August, a source also told The U.S. Sun that Ryan’s arrival would change the presentation style.
There were also aesthetic changes being made to the set.
“Ryan is simply not doing the low-key version of the show that Pat did,” the source said.
“He’s brought every bit of his ‘hype-beast’ morning radio and New Year’s Eve energy to the production of his first episodes.
“It’s a pretty big shift and an obvious grab for a younger generation of viewers than Pat had.”
James said a clip showing Ryan arriving on set was “intriguing.”
His antics included kick-fighting while holding an umbrella and later, press-ups.
“Ryan perhaps wanted to flatter Vanna when they first started filming over the summer,” she said.
Vanna has to stand apart and decided to watch as a parent overseeing a new puppy arriving in the house
Judi James
“His backstage arrival video showed some intriguing power and status dynamics.
“An outsider integrating into a long-existing, established group should use lowering displays at the outset.
“At one point, Ryan held the Wheel of Fortune umbrella to suggest pre-branding and loyalty to the new group.
“But she becomes low-key when he meets Vanna and Pat on stage.
“She did not present herself as the remaining legend and star of the show.
“Ryan also mimed kick-fighting her instead.”
As the pair got stuck into filming, James claimed Ryan became the “scene stealer.”
“Vanna appeared gracious and polite at first, but there was a moment when that changed,” she said.
“At one point, we could see Ryan taking the lead, and she turned to smile at him, but her teeth were clenched.
“Ryan was seen holding the one mic, which gave him control over the scene, as he had to hold it out to let Vanna speak.
“Here, Ryan was the ultimate performer and scene-stealer.
“Vanna had to stand apart and decided to watch as a parent overseeing a new puppy arriving in the house.
“She continued to clench her teeth.
Mom of two, Vanna started on the game show as a hostess in 1982.
When Wheel of Fortune moved to ABC Vanna, Pat became the permanent hosting fixture with her.
The South Carolina native and former pageant girl became an instant phenomenon on the show.
The chemistry success of this new combo and with Ryan in charge hinges on Vanna’s good nature.
Judi James
According to Variety, when Pat Sajak told the network he was leaving, Sony Pictures Television executives chose Ryan to take over.
The TV star had left Live With Kelly, and Ryan reportedly had time to prepare after signing his new contract.
The New York Times reported that Ryan is in contract “through the early 2030s.”
The American Idol host has also known Vanna since 2007.
“We’ve known each other for a long time, so we’ve had a friendly relationship for two decades, which America may not know,” Georgia-born Ryan told E! News Wednesday.
“Two Southerners, known each for a while, wanted to go out to dinner and have Southern food,” he added.
James said their history could make it harder for Vanna to accept Ryan’s style.
“Vanna would have been more than capable of stepping into Pat’s shoes,” she said.
“Now she is playing low to Ryan, whom she has known for years.
“He already appeared to be very much in charge.
“This means the chemistry success of this new combo and with Ryan in charge hinges on Vanna’s good nature.
“Hopefully, she can trade leads with him without trading up regarding her status and profile.
“Ryan’s intentions are impeccable when he talks about changes on the show.
“But his presence and energy are very different from Pat’s and Vanna’s.”
