Behind the glittering lights and high-stakes questions of BBC One's hit game show The Wheel, host Michael McIntyre shows a side viewers rarely see. A former contestant has now lifted the curtain, revealing the comedian's authentic and warm nature when the cameras stop rolling.
Jess Smith's Encounter with the Comedy Host
Jess Smith, 34, who appeared on the programme, recently opened up about her experience meeting the show's creator and presenter, Michael McIntyre. Speaking to The Express on behalf of Slots Temple, Smith described the 49-year-old comedian as deeply invested and genuinely kind.
She explained that McIntyre was "really involved in picking who was on the show", a detail she found particularly commendable. This hands-on approach from the star, she noted, made a significant difference to the atmosphere, proving "he really cares about the show."
Smith admitted she was unsure if the TV personality would match his on-screen persona. "We always watched it and wondered what he's like in real life," she said. Her concerns were quickly allayed when, before filming, contestants were taken to meet him. "He was just chatting with the crew and having a laugh. He was just really nice and really jokey. He was really warm, it felt really genuine," she recalled.
The positive impression was echoed by the production team, with Smith adding, "All the production crew also said he was lovely which says a lot." Producers even jokingly warned contestants: "don’t try to outwit Michael McIntyre because you won’t be able to."
A Near Miss and Future Hopes
During her episode, Smith had celebrity assistance from figures including Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, and former football manager Harry Redknapp. As the first contestant to play, she successfully cleared all but two categories.
However, her journey ended in disappointment when a football question cost her the grand prize of £97,000. Despite leaving empty-handed, Smith's enthusiasm for the show remains undimmed. She revealed she would "100% try and go on it again" given another opportunity.
A Sneak Peek at the Next Episode's Loophole
The revelations about McIntyre's off-screen demeanour come as a new episode of The Wheel prepares to air. A sneak peek, obtained by the Daily Mail, shows comedian and actor Chris McCausland baffling host McIntyre by exploiting an apparent "loophole" in the show's format.
In the upcoming instalment, McCausland's expert category is revealed to be fellow panellist Jason Manford. McCausland joked that he had studied Manford intensely, even claiming, "I've paid somebody to go through his bins." He then told a stunned Manford, "You need to shred your mail Jason. I literally know everything."
The episode will feature a star-studded line-up on the wheel, including comedian Judi Love, former boxer Tony Bellew, funnywoman Ellie Taylor, YouTuber George Clarke, broadcaster Kelly Cates, and Jason Manford himself.
The BBC's synopsis for the show promises "a game show packed with huge stars, big laughs and a giant spinning wheel", where contestants, guided by celebrity experts, attempt to "answer their way to a fortune." This blend of high stakes, celebrity expertise, and McIntyre's trademark humour continues to be a winning formula for the BBC.
