Wheel Of Fortune fans cringe at ‘awkward’ host Vanna White as she steps in for host Pat Sajak

WHEEL of Fortune letter-spinner Vanna White divided opinion last night when she stepped into the host role for the first time in 37 years.

The 62-year-old beauty surprised fans of the show as she filled in for longtime host Pat Sajak - who had to undergo emergency surgery last month.

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While some fans praised Vanna for stepping up as host, others weren't as kind and criticized her for looking "awkward."

One viewer wrote on Twitter: “Vanna White stepping in for Wheel of Fortune is cringe, especially when the finalist gets "an extra continent" due to a Wild Card. I can't!”

While another one noted how insecure she looked while hosting.

They wrote: “Vanna White peeking at the cards before every answer.”

They also commented on how difficult the job might actually be.

One person wrote: “YIKES! Vanna White is learning that hosting a game show is not as easy as it looks.”

She was also praised for taking on the job and breaking away from her long-time sidekick role which has seen her barely speak on camera for nearly four decades.

One supporter wrote: "This is amazing. Go Vanna Go!!"

Another one said: "I waited all day for tonight and I finally got to see one of my favorite things happen. Vanna White host WOF."

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Vanna stepped into the breach, after Sajak, 73, went into hospital to correct a blocked intestine.

Filming had stopped for one day but resumed with Vanna in the spotlight.

The star was seen on screen with Minnie Mouse helping out with White's usual role.

White has filmed three weeks of Wheel of Fortune episodes as the special host, before Sajak's return.

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Making a sparkling entrance in a sequined cocktail dress, the star admitted that she was "excited and nervous," in a tweet she posted on Monday.

Pat Sajak has been hosting Wheel of Fortune - the longest-running syndicated game show in the US since 1982. The show taped its 7,000th episode in May of last year.

He has been married to photographer Lesly Sajak since 1989, and they share two adult children, son Patrick, 29, and daughter Maggie, 25.