The Wheel: Michael McIntyre ‘horrified’ as gameshow leaves contestants empty-handed

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.

Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.

Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond

Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

Find out more

Michael McIntyre apologised to viewers on Saturday night (12 December) after none of the contestants on his new game show The Wheel won a single penny.  

The BBC series, which began last month, sees contestants attempt to answer general knowledge questions with the help of seven celebrities – sitting on a giant spinning wheel – who have different areas of expertise.

Despite prizes ranging from £3,000 to £10,000, no one won anything on last night’s show, which comedian and host McIntyre called a “depressing” turn of events.

He jokingly told viewers at the end of the episode: “This show is supposed to raise the mood of the nation, this is worse than Newsnight.

“This is so depressing, I would rather watch a Prime Ministerial briefing.

“We never thought nobody would win! It maybe came up in one meeting, and then we were like, Nah.’”

As This Morning’s Alison Hammond laughed inconsolably in the background, he continued: “Look at us now, a bunch of losers. I am so horrified… This has been the worst night of my life, I am never speaking to anybody here ever again. It says on the autocue, ‘Thank you to the celebrity experts,’ but I don’t think I should read that one.”

Love Island’s Maura Higgins and DJ Tony Blackburn were among the celebrities to hamper the contestants’ chances of victory.