Ryan Seacrest suffers hard fall after emotional ‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant wins $40K grand prize
Share and Follow

Seacrest down!

During a recent episode of “Wheel of Fortune,” host Ryan Seacrest experienced an unexpected moment when a contestant enthusiastically won the game’s $40,000 grand prize.

Pittsburgh native Daniel Thomas needed to solve a one-word, seven-letter puzzle in the “Living Things” category in the show’s daunting bonus round.

Seacrest gave the anxious-looking contestant the letters “R, S, T, L, N, E” to start with the “S” and the “E” appearing on the board.

Thomas then chose “H, G, D, O,” but the only letter to appear was a “G.”

With only 10 seconds to solve the puzzle, Thomas blurted out, “Guppies” just before time expired.

“Yes!” Seacrest told him. “You did it!”

Feeling overwhelmed with joy after solving a puzzle, the contestant attempted to give Seacrest a hug but accidentally pushed him to the ground in the process.

“Oh my gosh!” Thomas yelled as he went to help the host up.

“I’m good, I’m good,” Seacrest said with a smile.

The former “American Idol” host jumped back to his feet and immediately revealed that Thomas won $40,000.

“Daniel, easy on our host, but celebrate with $40,000,” show announcer Jim Thornton told Thomas as he embraced his family.

Seacrest, having won a significant total of $71,950 during the episode, managed to regain his footing and approached the elated contestant to offer a hug as well.

“How did you do that in the last second,” Seacrest asked.

“Push you over or solve the puzzle,” Thomas joked.

Thomas shared that when he “saw the letter P, the word just popped” into his head.

The clip, posted on the game show’s YouTube page, garnered some interesting reactions from fans — who all mostly seemed excited for Thomas and got a kick out of him knocking the host down.

“That was an amazing solve & the funniest thing I’ve seen all day after the solve,” one user commented.

“That tackle is worth a lot of money!” another chimed in.

“Whoa! I can’t believe Daniel won the bonus round, but he also knocked Ryan down! Ooh, I hope he’s all right,” wrote another.

Seacrest began hosting “Wheel of Fortune” alongside co-host Vanna White on Sept. 9 after Pat Sajak, the show’s longtime host, announced he would leave in June 2023. 

“I love giving away the money,” he told Fox News in December. “I get so excited when people win the money, and they win a lot of money. I’m hoping to give away a million dollars in 2025.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
6 alleged members of Faceworld Chicago gang charged with racketeering conspiracy, indicted in 13 murders: U.S. Attorney's Office

U.S. Attorney Charges Six Faceworld Chicago Gang Members in Major Racketeering Conspiracy Linked to 13 Murders

In a significant legal development, a federal grand jury has brought charges…
Mark was jailed for killing his father... but this could set him free

Shocking Twist: New Evidence May Free Man Convicted of Father’s Death

A sensational case involving a body encased in concrete, a domineering father,…
A sharps disposal bin to safely discard used syringes and lancets is installed in Austin, Ind., by the Scott County Health Department Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Obed Lamy)

Community Faces Challenges in Sustaining Vital Syringe Program Amid New Regulations

In Jeffersonville, Indiana, a storage room at the Clark County Health Department…
Proposed AI ‘Bill of Rights’ filed in Florida Senate with support from Governor DeSantis

Florida Senate Introduces AI ‘Bill of Rights’ with Governor DeSantis’ Backing

A Senate Republican has introduced SB 482, a legislative measure designed to…
A billboard advertising the Powerball lottery is displayed, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Record-Breaking $1.7 Billion Powerball Awaits Lucky Winner After Another Draw Without a Match

The Powerball jackpot has skyrocketed to an astounding $1.7 billion following the…
98 Minnesota mayors warn state fiscal policies are hurting cities, residents and local budgets

98 Minnesota Mayors Sound Alarm: State Fiscal Policies Strain Local Budgets and Residents

In a significant move, 98 mayors from across Minnesota have voiced their…
Bradley Cooper asks for Gigi Hadid's hand in marriage

Hollywood Buzz: Bradley Cooper Proposes to Supermodel Gigi Hadid, Sparking Engagement Excitement

Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid are reportedly making significant strides toward a…
Mike Tyson and Ric Flair sue ex-cannabis business partners for $50m

Mike Tyson & Ric Flair Take Legal Action: $50M Lawsuit Against Ex-Cannabis Partners

Mike Tyson and Ric Flair, iconic figures in the boxing and wrestling…