RYAN Seacrest’s fans can’t believe the resemblance between him and his niece Flora.
The new Wheel of Fortune host recently shared a picture with his younger sister Meredith Seacrest Leach and niece Flora Marie Leach on Instagram, promoting his latest project.
4
4
Ryan, 49, announced that his and Meredith’s new children’s book The Make-Believers will go on sale this October, adding that it’s “Flora approved.”
The siblings first revealed they had written a book together in March 2024 in a joint statement to People, explaining that it was inspired by their imaginations as children.
“Growing up, my sister Meredith and I constantly used our imaginations to dream big and travel far,” Ryan captioned his latest Instagram post.
“Fast forward a few decades, we’ve written a picture book about using your imagination to propel you into the future of your dreams,” he added. “Check out THE MAKE-BELIEVERS, on sale this October!”
Read More on Ryan Seacrest
Reacting to Ryan’s announcement, which comes ahead of his debut as the new host of Wheel of Fortune, the presenter’s fans noticed the striking similarity between him and Flora.
“Awww your niece is your twin! So adorable! Connie Seacrest must be so proud!” one fan comment read.
Others noted how grown-up Ryan’s niece was looking, with one person adding, “This is too much!!”
“Is that Flora!!??” one fan comment read. “How did she get so grown up? This is too much!!”
“Can’t believe how much Flora has grown! Best of luck on your book,” another Instagram user commented. “Great pic.”
A fourth person wrote, “What a great idea to share each others [sic] memories. It is so great that you have such a close relationship with your sister!”
The longtime American Idol host frequently pictures with Flora on his Instagram account, including a post last December wishing his niece a happy birthday.
“Being your FUNcle is the gift that keeps on giving,” he captioned it.
On the professional front, Ryan is also gearing up for his debut as the host of Wheel of Fortune in September 2024, when the new season premieres.
He follows in the footsteps of legendary presenter Pat Sajak, who hosted Wheel of Fortune for four decades before announcing his retirement last June.
Wheel of Fortune Host Timeline
Although Pat and Vanna have been a staple on the game show for decades, there have been other hosts
Chuck Woolery was the host from 1975 to 1981
He co-hosted alongside Susan Stafford (1975 to 1982)
Vanna White then stepped in as hostess in 1982 and has been ever since
After a contract and salary dispute, the show got rid of Chuck and brought in Pat in 1982
Pat hosted with Susan for one season
He then left the game show in 1989 to host a late-night talk show for CBS
For five months, NFL player Rolf Benirschke took his place
In July 1989, Bob Goen hosted the show on CBS
He hosted for a year and a half until the show was canceled in 1991
The show was then moved to ABC with Pat and Vanna hosting for the foreseeable future
In 2023, Pat announced his retirement and Ryan Seacrest as quickly named as his replacement
“Well the time has come,” the 76-year-old’s retirement statement read. “I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming month, Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Ryan was confirmed as Pat’s replacement in June 2024 in a statement from Ravi Ahuja, chairman of global television studios at Sony Pictures.
Ryan said he’s “truly humbled” to take over the reins from Pat, adding “it’s been a privilege and pure joy” to watch him and co-host Vanna White “making us smile every night.”
“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 continued.
“I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Vanna, 67, will stay with the program through 2026.
4
4