The game show, which started in the US, first aired in the UK on ITV back in 1988 and it ran up until 2001.
John Leslie, Bradley Walsh and Nicky Campbell are among previous hosts of the show while the likes of Angela Ekaette, Carol Smillie, Jenny Powell and Terri Seymour also appeared as “hostesses”.
Now more than 20 years later, Wheel of Fortune is being rebooted and returns with a new host – Graham Norton.
We’re only two days away from the all new Wheel of Fortune, but if you can’t wait for 6pm this Saturday follow us for a look behind the scenes of the team that help our Graham on set every day. @itv @itvx @WeAreSTV #wheeloffortuneUK #itv #newseries #GrahamNorton pic.twitter.com/crHqKrJBge
— Wheel of Fortune UK (@ukwheelfortune) January 4, 2024
Wheel of Fortune joins the list of “nostalgic programmes” like Big Brother, Deal or No Deal and Jeopardy that have recently made their way back onto the ITV schedule.
This Morning presenter was originally cast as Wheel of Fortune host
But Norton was nearly not a part of the Wheel of Fortune reboot, with ITV originally opting to go with another host.
This Morning and Great British Bake Off presenter Alison Hammond was originally cast as the host of the ITV reboot, according to The Sun.
A Wheel of Fortune pilot was made three years ago with Hammond as host, the news outlet reported, but in 2022 it was said she wouldn’t be taking on the role.
Then last year ITV officially confirmed the Wheel of Fortune reboot and that Norton would be taking on the role of the show’s host, much to his delight.
Norton, following the announcement, said: “I’m beyond excited to be bringing such an iconic American show to a new British audience.
“My first ever TV job was a game show on ITV so this feels like coming full circle. You might even call it a wheel!”
When to watch Wheel of Fortune with Graham Norton
Wheel of Fortune will return to TV screens for the first time in more than 20 years tonight (Saturday, January 6).
We’re kicking off the series on @ITV at 6pm tonight!#wheeloffortune #ukwheeloffortune #saturday https://t.co/SFvFdCA3rq
— Wheel of Fortune UK (@ukwheelfortune) January 6, 2024
ITV has said the reboot will feature “the same successful format” as before and is back with some “big money” on the line.
The first episode will see civil servant Becca, programme insights lead Kurt and police analyst Soraya spin the wheel and avoid bankrupts in an attempt to win a possible £50,000.
You can watch Wheel of Fortune at 6pm on ITV1 and ITVX every Saturday night starting from January 6.
