BBC orders another, longer, series of comedian's quiz show

BBC One has ordered a second series of Michael McIntyre quiz show The Wheel.

Sixteen new episodes of the Saturday night show will air later this year – following the success of the initial run of ten episodes.

The show has attracted audiences of around 6million per episode - although it has been slammed by critics, mainly for the slow pace of questioning. The i called it ‘neither challenging nor entertaining’ while the Daily Mail criticised the ‘needlessly over-complicated rules’.

Speaking of the recommission, McIntyre said: ‘I am thrilled by the success of The Wheel. The series was so much fun to host and I love how the gameplay in every show was so different but always entertaining and suspenseful. 

‘And having socially distanced strangers sing The Wheel to me on my daily walk has been the unexpected pleasure of lockdown’.

Dan Baldwin, managing director of programme-makers Hungry McBear Media said the show was ‘brilliant hybrid of an entertainment show and quiz, one minute you’re belly laughing, then you’re singing the theme tune, and then your whole family is screaming "Donegal! the answer is Donegal!" Is there a better way to spend a Saturday night?’

Producers are now seeking contestants for the next series to apply at  https://www.bbc.co.uk/thewheel

Made by: Hungry McBear Media
Executive producers: Dan Baldwin and Tom Blakeson.
Commissioned by: Kate Phillips, acting controller of BBC One, and Jo Wallace, acting controller of entertainment commissioning.
Commissioning editor for the BBC: Kalpna Patel-Knight.

Published: 24 Jan 2021