By Angelique Jackson

When “Wheel of Fortune” began filming this summer, it marked the first time in 40 seasons that the announcer’s announcement, “Ladies and gentlemen, here are the stars of our show…” wasn’t followed by the names of Pat Sajak and Vanna White. Instead, Ryan Seacrest waited backstage, arm in arm with White, as they prepared to open the doors to the new LED wall so they could stroll through and spin the wheel.

"We have the same doors on 'American Idol' — and the same door operator," Seacrest says when asked what was going through his mind. "So you literally look like you're behind the same set, because the back is just screens and plugs."

Of course, Seacrest is a veteran radio and TV host, having stepped into the shoes of broadcasting legends like Casey Kasem, Dick Clark and Regis Philbin, hosting everything from New Year's Eve broadcasts to morning shows. But on that first day of taping "Wheel," he was nervous. He wanted to show the studio audience and the Wheel watchers at home.