Michael McIntyre's The Wheel returned to BBC One on Saturday, November 14, with an unexpected on-air confession about his calves before any contestant could chase a cash prize.
A conversation with Gladiators star Matt Morsia about his physique prompted the host to reveal a personal detail. McIntyre admitted: "I have a freakish part of my body, which is absolutely enormous." He explained: "It is my calves. What's happened, is that I walk and run on my toes, really embarrassing."
Host demonstrates running style
The presenter then jogged around the studio to demonstrate his running style. "Because of that, I've ended up with calves that I think might be bigger than yours," he added, before showing off his calves to applause from the audience.
Singer Michael Ball joined in, declaring: "By the way, my calves are bigger." The studio broke into chants of "get them out" and Ball obliged, prompting more laughter before the host brought proceedings back to the game.
Celebrity line-up and contestant win
McIntyre said: "Okay, I think we need to get back on track. So, ladies and gentlemen, we must unify. We must become more than the sum of our creepy body parts. For we have a purpose tonight, and that is to win someone a lot of money." He then introduced the contestants and got the game underway.
Matt joined Michael Ball, Kate Garraway, Isa Guha, Harriet Kemsley, Katherine Ryan, Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely on the celebrity line-up for the show's return. The unexpected opening caught viewers' attention, with one posting on X: "Didn't expect the Michaels to be showing off their legs to kick off the series there."
At the end of the programme, Paul, a dental practice manager from Gosport, won £110,000 — the second-highest prize ever won on the show. Fans congratulated him on social media, with one writing: "How lovely is Paul! Cracking win for him #TheWheel." Another added: "I'm so glad Paul won, what a lovely guy. #thewheel." A third posted: "Congratulations to Paul the winner of #TheWheel tonight. £110,000! ! ! What a lovely generous guy who deserved every penny."
The celebrity experts expected to appear in series seven also include Shaun Ryder, Big Narstie, Briony May Williams, Chris McCausland, ChrisMD, Dermot O'Leary, Ellie Simmonds, George Clarke and Harry Hill. The Wheel is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
