‘Wheel of Fortune’ Duo Pat Sajak and Vanna White Still ‘Talk All the Time’ Much to Ryan Seacrest’s Chagrin

Letter turner Vanna White has been cozying up to Pat Sajak again, this time traveling to Hawaii to watch him in a play — and sources tell Globe it’s irritating the heck out of her current Wheel of Fortune cohost Ryan Seacrest.

Sources say Vanna, 68, and Pat, 78, had a lovely “catch-up” over lunch in sunny Honolulu, where he recently starred in Prescription: Murder, and it was like old times, with Vanna sharing snaps from her visit.

“Had the pleasure of seeing Pat’s awesome performance on stage in Hawaii last weekend! It was great catching up and spending time with him! #foreverfriends,” she posted on Instagram.

“Pat’s doing great,” confirms an insider. “He reinvented himself by starring in a new play, but he’s still clued into Wheel, thanks in large part to Vanna. They talk all the time, and she misses him so terribly that she flew to Hawaii to catch his performance.”

“She makes no secret that he’s like an older brother to her. She values his advice on everything from her personal life to career and keeps him apprised of how things are going on the show. When she’s stressed, Pat knows exactly what to say to make Vanna feel more empowered.”

But sources say it doesn’t sit well with Ryan, 50, who feels left out any time Vanna mentions Pat — which is often.

“Ryan assumes quite rightly that she’s feeding him information and getting Pat’s input,” explains the insider. “He’s annoyed that she’s constantly going back to him for pointers.”

A rep for Ryan calls chatter that he’s bothered by their close friendship “ridiculous.”

As readers know, Pat was forced to retire from the puzzle game show after 41 seasons and being criticized for snapping at contestants and making inappropriate jokes. But now, fans have forgiven Pat for his gaffes.

“Awesome! I sure do miss him on Wheel of Fortune. It is not the same,” one viewer commented. “Name a more perfect duo,” posted another fan, while a third chimed in: “This melts my heart.”

“The way Vanna tells it, Pat’s taught her how to stand up for herself,” explains the insider. “Ryan finds it irritating. He’s top dog now and doesn’t appreciate her giving Pat license to stir up trouble!”