ITV has announced that it'll be rebooting iconic 90s gameshow Wheel of Fortune with a very famous face set to host, reports The Manc.
Based on the successful global brand, and modelled on the still-ongoing American show of the same name, the original British version of Wheel of Fortune first aired all the way back 1988, and went on to run for a whopping 14 series and 746 episodes before ending 2001.
In case you're not familiar with the show, it's basically based around a giant carnival wheel that the contestants have to spin to win themselves a life-changing cash prize.
With beloved and seasoned BAFTA-winning TV host Graham Norton set to front the show's revival, ITV has confirmed that Wheel of Fortune will be returning for eight hour-long episodes in 2024 - which includes two celebrity specials.
Just like last time, the broadcaster's rebooted show will be a "thrilling game of skill and luck", as the turn of the wheel secures contestants a cash value before they pick a letter to help them solve the puzzle, where, for every correct letter they reveal in the puzzle, they win multiples of that amount.
"The pressure is on as they could lose everything at a spin of a wheel," ITV teased in its announcement of the show's reboot.
On top of cash, contestants can also win some impressive prizes too.
ITV added: "Everything is up for grabs, but only one lucky contestant will get the chance to add big money to their cash pot and see if they can take it home."
Iconic 90s gameshow Wheel of Fortune to be rebooted with Graham Norton as host / Credit: ITV
Speaking on the announcement of the show being rebooted, new host Graham 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."
Katie Rawcliffe, who is Head of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, added: "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."
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Yorkshire residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic people from Yorkshire are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at TESTBED in February from from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
The Hoot -
29th June 2023 
