Pat Sajak Wants His Wheel of Fortune Job Back, Sparking Tension with Ryan Seacrest

SPINMASTER Pat Sajak famously retired earlier this year, but now the longtime Wheel of Fortune host wants back on the show, sources tell GLOBE.

The beloved Wheel emcee is spreading the word he’s not done yet — and it has created even more tension between him and his replacement, Ryan Seacrest.

“Pat got an amazing show of support when he was on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune recently, and it’s revived his drive to be host on the original again as well,” spills an insider. “Even if it’s not now but in a couple of years, he’d do it.

“The truth is he never wanted to leave in the first place, they forced his hand, and now he wants his old job back,” the snitch says. In the meantime, he wants to keep doing more of these part-time hosting gigs.

“Ryan may have a multiyear deal, but Pat doesn’t think Ryan will be able to stick with it for the long term and he’ll be waiting in the wings to take over.”

According to our mole, Pat’s shenanigans are infuriating Ryan.

“Ryan thinks Pat’s pathetic and is being a sore loser,” tattles the tipster. “His [Ryan’s] ratings are great, he’s getting paid big bucks and he’s getting along with Vanna better than ever. The way Ryan sees it, Pat doesn’t have a chance and is wasting his time.”

And as the source notes, “For every fan who’s missing Pat, there are more people who like what Ryan’s doing on Wheel. Sure, the first week was bumpy, but Ryan’s gotten the hang of it and is bringing his own style to the show. “Furthermore, there was a reason why Pat lost the gig. He blew it!”

As GLOBE has reported, the show’s bosses grew tired of Pat’s on-air gaffes, belittling of contestants and odd jokes that fell flat.

In a farewell speech on his final episode of Wheel of Fortune, which aired on June 7, Pat mentioned none of the controversy when he said, “I’ve always felt [this job] came with a responsibility to keep this daily half hour a safe place for family fun … Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”

“Obviously, the viewers who used to berate Pat for his awkward foot-in-mouth moments have forgiven him,” dishes the spy. “Many would like to see more of him in the future and that’s what Pat’s counting on. He’s going to nudge Ryan out little by little to the point where he’ll probably want to leave!”