Ryan Seacrest’s Candid Confessions: Swiping on Tinder Amidst ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Romance
Ryan Seacrest, the seasoned television personality, recently offered a surprisingly candid glimpse into his personal life, making a rather unexpected revelation about his dating habits during a broadcast of Wheel of Fortune. The 51-year-old host, currently at the helm of the iconic game show, found himself in the midst of a “Love Is in the Air” themed episode, where couples were the featured contestants. The palpable romantic atmosphere seemed to inspire Seacrest to open up.
Turning to the cameras, Seacrest admitted to actively using the popular dating app Tinder, a move that comes nearly two years after his split from model Aubrey Paige. “I love ‘Love Is in the Air’,” he quipped, adding with a smile, “And I’ll be on Tinder tonight, so I can find it.” His co-host, Vanna White, who recently married John Donaldson in January, offered a reassuring, albeit perhaps slightly teasing, remark: “Love will be in the air next time. I promise.”
However, as the episode progressed and three couples vied for victory, Seacrest’s candour only deepened. With a touch of humour and a hint of genuine longing, he confessed, “I am so lonely up here,” a statement that undoubtedly resonated with viewers, eliciting both amusement and a degree of sympathy.
This open admission of loneliness follows a period of reflection for Seacrest. Almost a year prior, he had spoken about feeling “depressed” about being single following his separation from long-time girlfriend Paige. During a May 2025 episode of American Idol, after a contestant delivered a particularly emotional love ballad, Seacrest shared, “I’ve never been more depressed to be single than right now in this moment.”
The amicable parting of ways between Seacrest and Paige in 2024 was reportedly a mutual decision, with both parties expressing a desire to remain supportive figures in each other’s lives. At the time, a source close to the couple indicated, “After three beautiful years together, Ryan and Aubrey have mutually decided to part ways. They plan to stay in each other’s lives as good friends and support one another’s endeavors.”
Their relationship was marked by numerous shared happy moments and significant career milestones.
On the occasion of Seacrest’s final broadcast of Live! With Kelly and Ryan in April 2023, Paige took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute. The post featured three cherished photos: two capturing the couple enjoying time on the golf course, and another showing them close together, wearing headphones in what appeared to be a helicopter. Her caption lauded Seacrest, stating, “Ryan, never have I ever met a more inspiring man. You make it look so easy, but the truth is there is just nobody quite like you. I am so beyond proud of you. Not just for your work ethic, but for your caring heart and the genuine love that you give to others.” She concluded with a forward-looking message: “I am so excited for this next chapter of your life and our life. May it be filled with total presence, joy and relaxation in every single moment. The best is yet to come. Cheers. Love ya, babe.”
Before his relationship with Paige, Seacrest’s romantic history includes a period of over a year with Hilary Cruz, followed by a relationship with model Shayna Taylor from 2017 to 2020. He also famously dated dancer and actress Julianne Hough for three years, from 2010 to 2013.
Reflecting on their time together, Hough shared her experiences on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast. She admitted to initially harbouring concerns that people might perceive her as being with Seacrest solely for his fame. “The rug was swept up from underneath me, and I was just flying, and I was experiencing things that I didn’t even know existed,” she recounted. This led to an internal struggle: “But then I had this insecurity that I was like, ‘I don’t ever want anybody to think that I’m with him for this reason.’ And so I then started playing smaller.” Hough also spoke about navigating public scrutiny after their breakup, focusing on her own well-being during that time. “I didn’t think about what people thought. I was just wrestling on the inside… I definitely was in full self-preservation mode, so I was only concerned about me,” she stated.
Beyond these well-documented relationships, Seacrest has also been romantically linked to actresses Teri Hatcher and Shana Wall.
While his personal life garners significant attention, Seacrest’s professional career continues to be a formidable force in the entertainment industry. In 2024, he officially stepped into the esteemed role of host for Wheel of Fortune, succeeding Pat Sajak, who had been the show’s anchor for nearly four decades.
Seacrest’s journey to national recognition began in radio, starting in Atlanta before relocating to Los Angeles and eventually taking the reins of the syndicated American Top 40. His breakthrough into television came in 2002 when he became a co-host of American Idol, a role that cemented his status as a household name. His hosting portfolio extends to numerous high-profile live events, including red carpet coverage for the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes pre-show, and annual New Year’s Eve celebrations, solidifying his reputation as one of the most recognisable faces in broadcasting.
Beyond his on-air commitments, Seacrest has also ventured into production through Ryan Seacrest Productions, responsible for successful shows such as Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. He continues his influential presence in radio with On Air with Ryan Seacrest, a show that reaches millions of listeners weekly.
