ITV keeps plundering the old hits

ITV is reviving Wheel of Fortune, with Graham Norton as host.

In the show contestants  spin a carnival wheel for help building up a cash prize and solving a Hangman-style clues.

The news of the eight hour-long episodes comes as Ryan Seacrest is announced as the new host of the US original, replacing  Pat Sajak after more than 40 years at the helm.

Norton 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!’

It is not the first time ITV has aired the show, with a Scottish Television-made version airing from 1988 to  2001, variously hosted by Nicky Campbell, Bradley Walsh, John Leslie and Paul Hendy over its 746 episodes.

The US version  has aired continuously since January 1975, racking up more than 7,000 episodes. 

Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment commissioning at ITV said:

‘We are thrilled to have the much loved Graham Norton bringing this iconic game show to our viewers. Anything can happen on the spin of a wheel, it is going to be so much fun.’

The UK version will be made by Whisper North. Chief executive Sunil Patel, said: ‘We’re thrilled to be bringing such a well-known and globally loved show to ITV primetime, and of course, to be working with the incredible Graham Norton, who we know will bring the show alive for contestants and audiences alike.’

It is not the only hit US format being revived by ITV, as a version of Jeopardy! is in the works, hosted by Stephen Fry The broadcaster’s super-creative executives are also earning their big pay checks by commissioning reboots of Gladiators and Deal Or No Deal.

Published: 28 Jun 2023