Wheel of Fortune contestant’s boyfriend proposes on set in middle of filming leaving host Ryan Seacrest nearly in tears

The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal that a Wheel of Fortune contestant received the surprise of a lifetime when he made a secret on-set proposal that even brought host Ryan Seacrest to tears.

When the game show participant arrived at the Los Angeles studio to record a typical episode, she had no idea that it was all a set-up to get her long-term lover to pop the question.

Former contestant Rhea Mathew returned to shoot what she was informed would be a special section for the show’s forthcoming 50th anniversary during a recent Wheel of Fortune taping, a source revealed to The U.S. Sun.

Two other former participants joined Rhea, who had previously been on an October 2023 episode of the game show, as they worked through a series of puzzles for what she was informed was the 50th anniversary.

The wheel announcer Vanna WhiteandThe segment was hosted by Jim Thornton.Ryan, 49, did not participate in the bit and remained backstage.

The three were instructed to complete three successive riddles by Vanna, 67, and Jim.

In the end, the first one ended up spelling out Will you accompany me out?

Are you going to be my Valentine? was the segment’s second puzzle.

What really got things going was the third one, which said, “Will you marry me?”

The big question conundrum was finally solved by Rhea, and as she uttered the words aloud, her lover Robin emerged from the wall where Ryan and Vanna usually exit the set at the beginning of each episode.

When Robin came over to repeat the question, she instantly looked distraught, and he then knelt down.

The audience and crew erupted in cheers when the couple had an emotional embrace after California nurse Rhea said yes right away.

As he saw the moment of magic unfold, Ryan, who was backstage at the proposal, could be seen looking over the corner and wiping away his emotions.

He claimed that although he was watching everything on a backstage monitor, he had to walk out and join the pair since they were so touching.

Since just a few producers, Vanna, and Jim were aware of the romantic surprise, the American Idol host acknowledged that he was unaware of it at all.

During the joyful moment, Vanna too seemed upset, moving aside to gather her feelings while receiving encouragement and hugs from her friend Jim.

Although the two competitors Rhea faced were really producers who were aware of the surprise, a staff member claimed that the majority of the crew was unaware that this was going to occur.

Because Wheel is Rhea’s favorite program, Vanna continued, Robin had previously approached the show to see what might be done for an on-set proposal.

WHEEL-Y BIG DEAL

The producers worked for weeks to bring the amazing moment to life because they were eager to make something work.

Wheel of Fortune is anticipated to broadcast the engagement in early January.

Shortly before his retirement, in October 2023, Rhea participated in a Wheel of Fortune game presented by Pat Sajak.

Despite not winning her game, the Redwood City, California resident took home $3,000.

She used social media to share how much the TV moment meant to her after the program aired last year.

She commented, “Fun little life update I’ve been holding onto for a few months: I went on Wheel of Fortune!!!” next to a picture of herself on set.

For as long as I can remember, my family has gathered every day at 7:30 p.m. to watch Wheel of Fortune. Anyone who has ever spoken to me on a daily basis is aware of this.

I applied during quarantine, forgot about it, got contacted for a few rounds of auditions earlier this year, and came to Los Angeles for my tape day because I’ve always stated that being on the program myself is something I’ve always wanted to do.

I genuinely enjoyed every second of this trip, which will never be forgotten. On ABC, you can see me laboriously spin this 2400-pound wheel during our beloved Pat Sajak’s final season hosting.

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