A Connecticut woman who won a record-breaking $1,035,155 on Tuesday night’s “Wheel of Fortune” concealed the life-changing news from her boyfriend for four long months.
Contestant Christina Derevjanik, 34, filmed her historic appearance on the game show back in May and was sworn to secrecy until the episode aired this week.
“He had no idea,” the marketing manager told The Post on Wednesday, revealing that she had only started dating her beau just weeks before her win.
On Tuesday night, Derevjanik held a viewing party in Stamford, but her boyfriend was in Boston. He tuned in to watch her appearance, not expecting to see his new partner pocket a pretty penny.
“He called me [after the show aired] and was just so excited,” the cashed-up contestant gushed. “He is absolutely thrilled for me.”
Admitting that she’s hit the jackpot with both love and money, the newly minted millennial conceded that she’s had an excellent few months.
In addition to the prize money, Derevjanik also won trips to Montana and Tokyo — and plans to take her new man along on at least one of those adventures.
The winner was also unable to tell her family and friends about the news until the show aired, although she admitted that her parents “definitely saw a little pep in my step.”
No wonder: After taxes, the marketing manager is expected to bank about $660,000.
Derevjanik has the option to receive her prize money in installments or a lump sum, but told The Post she’s leaning toward the latter to quickly pay off her student loans and buy her first home.
“I don’t know when I would’ve been able to afford a home, so these winnings are just completely life-changing for me,” she enthused. “I’m really excited about what the future holds now that I have this financial freedom.”
As for any indulgences, the sensible Stamford resident won’t be splashing cash on designer clothes or a flashy car — but she will be pampering her pet pooch.
“I think I’m going to have to spoil my dog, Hazel,” Derevjanik laughed. “She’s going to be a lucky little chocolate lab over the next year.”
Derevjanik won her “Wheel of Fortune” prize in front of her boss, who jetted to Los Angeles with her for the taping.
On camera, Derevjanik joked she would put in her two weeks’ notice after receiving the prize, but she told The Post that she’ll continue to commute to her office in Manhattan.
“I’m not quitting the job,” she clarified. “My boss is very happy. I will be continuing to work for her, and I was just so excited that she was able to be part of the experience.”
The prize-winner is a longtime “Wheel of Fortune” fan, saying: “I’ve been watching since I was young, and I had one of the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ handheld games that I would always play as a child in the ’90s.”
Her time on set, whilst “surreal,” lived up to every expectation.
“Everyone who works on the show, and [hosts] Ryan [Seacrest] and Vanna [White], was just such a pleasure,” Derevjanik declared. “They were so wonderful, and they really s
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