For millions of Wheel of Fortune viewers, Jim Thornton has been a familiar presence without always being a familiar face.

For nearly 15 years, his unmistakable voice has introduced the contestants, prizes and personalities viewers welcome into their homes night after night.

Now, there’s an unexpected change behind the famous Wheel.

Thornton has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune while Sony Pictures Television Studios conducts an investigation into allegations concerning him.

And the show isn’t simply waiting to see what happens.

Sony says it is recasting the announcer role during the investigation.

Thornton officially became the show’s regular announcer in 2011, succeeding legendary longtime announcer Charlie O’Donnell. Since then, he has worked through one of the biggest transitions in Wheel of Fortune history—Pat Sajak’s departure and Ryan Seacrest’s arrival alongside longtime star Vanna White.

Although Thornton normally stayed behind the scenes, his voice became part of the show’s identity.

Reports have connected the investigation to an incident aboard an American Airlines flight in May. American Airlines confirmed that law enforcement met Flight 1276 when it arrived at Los Angeles International Airport after concerns were reported by a passenger.

However, Sony has not publicly explained the specific allegations against Thornton.

Thornton’s attorney has also pushed back against speculation surrounding the incident, saying Thornton was not arrested or charged with a crime and was allowed to leave after speaking briefly with law enforcement.

That distinction is important while the investigation remains ongoing.

For longtime Wheel of Fortune viewers, however, one thing is already clear:

The show may soon sound noticeably different.

After roughly 15 years of hearing the same familiar voice behind the Wheel, viewers are now waiting to discover who will be behind the microphone next.