Ryan Seacrest has introduced new guidelines for contestants on **Celebrity Wheel of Fortune** following an incident involving **Derek Hough**. During the September 29 episode, Hough, a contestant and renowned dancer, jumped on the game show’s iconic **2,400-pound wheel**, prompting Seacrest to intervene.
In an interview with **USA Today** published on **October 20, 2023**, Seacrest, who took over as host of the show, recounted how he stepped in to prevent potential damage to the wheel. Initially, Hough mounted the podium, which is permitted. However, during a commercial break, he began jumping on the center of the wheel while fellow contestant **Bruno Tonioli** spun it. Seacrest remarked, “We did say, ‘Please don’t do that. That would break it, and there’s only one of those wheels. If that breaks, we have a real problem.'”
Seacrest acknowledges that his relationship with Hough, who is a close friend, allows for light-hearted corrections. He stated, “Knowing someone, or being friends, is definitely helpful. You can kind of tease them more than somebody you don’t know.”
The new hosting role marks a significant transition for Seacrest, who is set to take over the original **Wheel of Fortune** from **Pat Sajak** in **September 2024**. Seacrest received strong endorsement from Sajak’s daughter, **Maggie Sajak**, who expressed confidence in his abilities. “You can really tell by how prepared he is and how he treats the contestants and the whole experience,” she said.
On a historic note, just days after the incident with Hough, Seacrest witnessed a remarkable moment in the show’s history. Contestant **Christina Derevjanik** won a record-breaking **$1,035,155** on the September 30 episode. As confetti filled the air, Derevjanik celebrated her win by hugging Seacrest and co-host **Vanna White**. Seacrest expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m in tears. You’re a millionaire! Do you know you have more than $1 million?”
Derevjanik’s victory places her among an elite group of contestants who have won over a million dollars on the show. She became the fourth contestant to achieve this milestone, surpassing the previous record held by **Sarah Manchester**, who won **$1,017,490** in **2014**. Other significant wins include **Autumn Erhard** with **$1,030,340** in **2013** and **Michelle Lowenstein** at **$1,026,080** in **2008**.
Following Derevjanik’s impressive win, Seacrest took to Instagram to celebrate, stating, “Ecstatic doesn’t even cover it, my first million-dollar win just set a new Wheel record! Biggest win ever. Biggest grin ever. I’ll never forget this moment.”
As Seacrest continues to navigate his new role, he is expected to blend his years of experience in entertainment with the legacy of a beloved game show, ensuring both contestants and viewers remain engaged and entertained.
