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‘Wheel of Fortune’ host Pat Sajak and contestant’s ‘super cringey’ moment sends fans into a frenzy

By Stephanie Giang-Paunon

Published March 08, 2023

Fox News
‘Wheel of Fortune’ hosts avoid arguments for nearly 4 decades, except that one time Video

After four decades of hosting "Wheel of Fortune," Pat Sajak has shocked viewers with a new game show move.

During Tuesday night’s episode, the longtime host had an awkward encounter with a contestant who shared similar features to Santa Claus.

"Now, Santa Claus needs help in the holidays, he needs helpers and I understand you fill that role," Sajak said to the game show player.

'WHEEL OF FORTUNE' CONTESTANT BLASTED BY OUTRAGED FANS AFTER LOSING MILLION-DOLLAR PRIZE

"That’s right Pat, I’ve been helping Santa for 25 years," the contestant, Greg, responded.

Wheel of Fortune contestant

During a "Wheel of Fortune" episode, longtime host Pat Sajak had an awkward encounter with a contestant who shared similar features to Santa Claus. (ABC)

Sajak then asked how long he’s been growing his beard, to which Greg replied it had been six years.

"It made all the difference in the world," the Florida native pointed out.

Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak

Pat Sajak asked permission to "tug" on a "Wheel of Fortune" contestant’s beard. (ABC)

Greg then revealed the kids pull on his beard after questioning if he's the "real Santa."

"I said, ‘Give it a tug,’" the 76-year-old "Wheel of Fortune" player added.

Wheel of Fortune Pat Sajak with contestant

"Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak pulled on a contestants beard on the show, sending fans into a frenzy. (ABC)

After the conversation, Sajak asked permission to "tug" his beard.

The host walked over, lightly yanked on Greg’s beard and yelped out, "Oh! I’ve never done that."

He then proceeded to quickly walk away.

"And I will never do it again," Sajak revealed with an awkward look on his face.

Pat Sajak facial expression

Pat Sajak had an awkward look on his face after an uncomfortable exchange on "Wheel of Fortune." (ABC)

The uncomfortable exchange sent fans into a frenzy.

"Pat Sajak pulling on that dude’s beard was super cringy," one "Wheel of Fortune" fan expressed on Twitter.

Another wrote, "Pat just got handsy with a contestant!"

Vanna White and Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune

Pat Sajak and Vanna White are the longtime co-hosts for "Wheel of Fortune." (Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images)

Other fans enjoyed the playful exchange between the two.

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"That was cute of Pat. It made me think of the original movie Miracle on 34th Street, with Natalie Wood when she pulled Santas beard to be sure it was real!"

This isn’t the first time Sajak had a cringe-worthy moment with a "Wheel of Fortune" contestant.

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A post shared by Wheel of Fortune (@wheeloffortune)

In January, a player shook her butt very close to Sajak while jumping for joy after winning a grand prize.

After she solved a puzzle correctly, the contestant appeared to get very intimate with Sajak, and he seemed to be nudging her away.

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"Did she just butt bump me?" he surprisingly questioned.

"I did!" the enthusiastic player shouted.

Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.giang@fox.com and on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.

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