Ryan Seacrest Tackled by Overjoyed Contestant on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Ryan Seacrest, the new host of “Wheel of Fortune,” found himself on the ground Tuesday night after an enthusiastic contestant celebrated a $40,000 win with an overzealous hug. The incident occurred during the show’s bonus round, leaving fans and Seacrest himself in stitches.

Daniel, a contestant from Pittsburgh, solved the puzzle “Guppies” in the “Living Things” category, securing his grand prize. Overcome with excitement, Daniel jumped up and down before embracing Seacrest, accidentally knocking the host to the floor. “I’m good, I’m good,” Seacrest reassured Daniel, who repeatedly apologized for the tackle.

The moment was captured on the show’s official YouTube channel, where Seacrest joked, “Throw me over, tackle me, I’m totally fine with it.” The video quickly went viral, with fans commenting on the hilarious and unexpected moment. One viewer wrote, “That tackle is worth a lot of money!” while another added, “Ouch Ryan. Way to go Daniel!!!”

Seacrest, 50, took over hosting duties from Pat Sajak in September 2023, marking a new era for the long-running game show. Sajak, who hosted for 40 years, passed the torch to Seacrest, who has since brought his own energy and humor to the role. “Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with ‘Wheel of Fortune’!” Seacrest wrote on Instagram after Sajak’s final episode. “Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades.”

Despite the tackle, Seacrest remained in good spirits, joking with co-host Vanna White and Daniel throughout the episode. Daniel’s total winnings for the night amounted to $71,950, making the celebration well worth the fall. “Push you over or solve the puzzle?” Daniel quipped, to which Seacrest replied, “No, don’t worry, I loved it.”

The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of live television and the joy that “Wheel of Fortune” continues to bring to its audience. As Seacrest settles into his new role, fans can expect more memorable moments from the beloved game show.