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Hilarious host of The Wheel, Michael McIntyre, admits he adores working on a show which is fun – but can also positively impact contestants’ lives…
Comedian Michael McIntyre talks dramatic turns and tension as, spinning back to BBC One and iPlayer, The Wheel makes a welcome return on Saturday nights. The smash-hit game show is packed with edge-of-your seat jeopardy, big laughs, huge stars and a colossal spinning wheel. If you missed the first episode last Saturday night (and where were you?!), the premise each week is that three contestants hope to answer their way to a fortune, guided by seven celebrity experts – but can they help them to win life-changing cash? That all depends on the spin of The Wheel. Hilarious host Michael, 47 – who has been married to wife Kitty for 20 years – tells us more…
Michael, The Wheel is back, hurrah! Anything different about the new series?
I think every series of The Wheel is getting better than the last. I think this is because the returning celebrity experts are more comfortable and confident, and new experts are excited to be on a show that has become such a favourite. In fact, when I asked The One Show’s Alex Jones, who is on this series as a CBeebies expert, why she hadn’t been on before she said, ‘I was waiting to see if it was a hit!
We’ve seen Clare Balding and Jay Blades – which other celebs are taking part?
As ever we have a super fun array of ‘experts’, some returning favourites with new categories – like Clare Balding on dogs, Tom Allen on hats, Big Narstie on Jamaica, Dermot O’Leary on explorers – as well as newbies, like Adam Kay on medicine, Steve Pemberton on horror, Russell T Davies on Doctor Who and Paddy McGuinness on karate.
Last series, a poor contestant walked away without winning anything. Were you shocked?
We’ve had only two shows in three series where nobody has won. This is, of course, possible and adds to the jeopardy of the show’s climax. There are 10 new shows in the new series and maybe no winners – you’ll have to watch and find out!
Any surprising moments we should look out for in the new series?
The Wheel and the contestant Wheel are random, so it really shouldn’t be surprising that sometimes the same experts or contestants are chosen repeatedly, but when it happens it still feels like a surprise. So, watch out for some incredible favouritism by The Wheel!
