Emotional Rollercoaster on The Wheel Leads to Life-Changing Win
Saturday night's episode of BBC One's The Wheel delivered one of the most emotionally charged and financially significant moments in the show's history. Host Michael McIntyre guided a new set of contestants through the high-stakes game, but it was 23-year-old Lauren who ultimately faced a decision that would leave her, and the audience, breathless.
The Final Gamble: A Gut-Wrenching Choice
After a tense round of play, Lauren found herself with only two categories remaining. She successfully navigated a question on opera with help from celebrity expert Rev Richard Coles, a correct answer that prompted host Michael McIntyre to speculate this could become "one of the biggest money games we’ve ever had."
The victory propelled her to the final round, where she was presented with a nerve-shredding choice. She could select the top-ranked celebrity, Ed Gamble, for a safer £26,500 win. Alternatively, she could opt for the bottom-ranked expert, AJ Odudu, and play for a staggering £106,000 jackpot.
Visibly shaking, Lauren revealed her motivations, stating she wanted to buy her first home with her partner, Harry, and treat her parents to a dream holiday in Venice. "It’s just life-changing," she said. "I’m only 23, so yeah, fingers crossed."
The Climactic Question and a Last-Minute Switch
In a dramatic turn, Lauren chose AJ Odudu, a decision that left the celebrity expert visibly shocked. The pressure mounted instantly, with Lauren exclaiming, "I can’t breathe!" as the final question was revealed.
They had 30 seconds to determine the title of Aretha Franklin’s only UK No.1 single. AJ advised Lauren to trust her instinct, as all the options were 'bangers'. After initially discussing 'I Say A Little Prayer', Lauren made a last-second switch, selecting I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).
"Not even discussed?! Where did that come from?" an astonished Michael McIntyre asked. Lauren simply replied, "Dunno, just thinking, I’m scared."
Tears of Joy as a Dream Comes True
The gamble paid off. Michael McIntyre revealed her answer was correct, triggering an immediate and emotional breakdown from the young contestant. Bursting into tears, she jumped up to hug Michael and AJ, repeatedly saying, "I can’t breathe! I can’t believe this has just happened, honestly, I can’t."
Explaining her pivotal change of heart, Lauren said she ultimately went with her gut feeling. "I can’t believe it! This is incredible," she added, describing the £106,000 win as surreal.
She concluded by sharing her initial goal was simply to appear on a show she loved. "Something to tick off my bucket list and meet people I would never, ever meet in person," Lauren said, expressing her profound gratitude. The Wheel is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
