A festive filming of the BBC's hit game show The Wheel descended into comic chaos after host Michael McIntyre demanded a Strictly Come Dancing star leave the set. The incident occurred during recording for the show's star-studded Christmas special, which is scheduled to air on Christmas Day.
Christmas Day Routine Sparks Studio Uproar
The tension ignited during a conversation about the traditional timing of opening presents on 25 December. Contestant Richard Osman posited that opening gifts later in the day was a marker of being middle-class, citing an anecdote about a family who took a walk first.
Intrigued, McIntyre polled the celebrity experts on the panel for their average present-opening times. Answers varied widely, from 4am to 10am, with comedian Tim Vine causing gasps by admitting his family typically waited until about 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
Nitro's Revelation Leads to On-Air Ejection
The biggest shock, however, came from Nitro, the Gladiator and Strictly star, whose real name is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. He revealed that in his household, the present exchange usually happens around 7pm.
He explained, "Honest truth. Because there's other things to enjoy, you know obviously I train first, then I eat." This admission was met with mock horror from host McIntyre, who pointed to the exit and groaned, "Oh get off, get off... Go away, nobody can relate to that."
In a humorous response, Nitro began performing a workout while still in his seat and laughed, "Shall I head off that way?" Richard Osman jokingly concluded, "Do you know what Nitro, thank you for ruining Christmas."
Star-Studded Christmas Special Line-Up
The festive edition, Michael McIntyre's Christmas Wheel, will feature celebrities as contestants, replacing the usual members of the public. The line-up includes Richard Osman, Mel Geidroyc and Paddy McGuinness.
They will be assisted by a roster of famous faces on the wheel, which includes:
- Gyles Brandreth
- Josie Gibson
- Big Narstie
- Tim Vine
- Zara McDermott
- Nitro
- Matthew Horne and Joanna Page from Gavin and Stacey
The special episode will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer at 6.45pm on Christmas Day (December 25). Despite the on-set drama, viewers can expect Nitro's segment to feature in the final cut, offering a festive blend of quiz questions and hilarious controversy.
