Ryan Seacrest will replace Pat Sajak as the new host of Wheel of Fortune

Ryan Seacrest has been named the new host of Wheel of Fortune.

The 48-year-old will replace veteran host Pat Sajak, who has presented the hit game show since the 1980s.

It comes after months of speculation about the show and its possible replacement.

ABC

Sajak had originally announced he was stepping down back earlier this year after 41 seasons of the hit game show.

Originally hired back in 1981, the veteran host quickly became the undisputed king of US daytime TV.

Despite the show still during huge audiences, 7.72 million in May alone, the 76-year-old decided to step down from the long-running series.

In a tweet, he told his followers the 'time had come', confirming the 41st season would be his last.

“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all,” he added, leaving many to wonder who couple replace the beloved host.

Many speculated whether Sajak's daughter, Maggie, would replace him - having already stepped in for co-star Vanna White previously.

However, today Wheel of Fortune fans got their answer.

ABC

The news was announced earlier today (June 27) in a statement on Seacrest's Instagram.

It read: "I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak.

"I can say, along with the rest of America, that it's been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them."

Having obtained one of the most sort-after roles in showbiz, the American Idol host then thanked his predecessors.

The touching tribute read: "Pat, I love the way you've always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition."

While many fans had tipped Seacrest as the next host, most were unaware of his connection to the beloved game show - which he also shared during the statement.

@ryanseacrest/Instagram

Surprisingly, the Emmy-nominated presenter had already worked with showrunner Merv Griffin during one of his early shows.

The American Idol star explained: "Many people probably don't know this but one of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called 'Click' for Merv Griffin 25 years ago so this is truly a full circle moment for me and I'm grateful to Sony for the opportunity."

He then gushed about how excited he was to join the game show, telling his followers that he couldn't 'wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel' and 'working alongside the great Vanna White'.

Seacrest will now take over from Sajak after the 41st season airs.