The popular BBC series Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel made a memorable return for its new season on Saturday night, October 25, much to the delight of its dedicated fanbase. The unique quiz show format features seven celebrities seated on a giant wheel, each possessing expertise in a particular subject area designed to assist contestants. While participants are free to answer multiple-choice questions independently, they often choose to leverage the celebrities' opinions. The star-studded lineup for this highly anticipated season premiere included former footballer Jill Scott, The Celebrity Traitors’ Joe Marler, Strictly’s Layton William, actress Susan Wokoma, comedian Katherine Ryan, and Inside Number 9’s Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith.

The episode was particularly noteworthy for two contestants who captivated viewers: Sally, a lollipop lady from Gateshead, and Hannah, a data analyst and carer from Macclesfield. Sally’s story deeply resonated with the audience; having recently received the all-clear for lung cancer, she expressed her desire to use any winnings to embark on a camper van adventure with her husband and to support friends who stood by her during her health battle. Michael McIntyre highlighted the show's ability to foster connection, noting, “The Wheel does this to you. It makes you fall in love with our contestants.”

Sally’s journey on the wheel culminated in a thrilling final question. With crucial assistance from former rugby player Joe Marler on an earlier question about the Sugababes' original line-up, Sally progressed to the £110,000 finale. Marler, visibly nervous, jokingly admitted he "felt sick" before helping her. Upon correctly answering a question related to taekwondo, Sally erupted in tears and ran around the set, her emotional victory touching hearts nationwide. Despite her substantial win, Sally affirmed her dedication to her job, stating she wouldn’t be “hanging up her lollipop” because she “loves it too much.” Viewers flooded social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with heartfelt messages, praising Sally's win as one of the year’s most authentic and feel-good TV moments, with comments like "So pleased for Sally on #TheWheel. What a run from the celebs too. Great show” and “Crying tears of happiness for Sally. What a well deserved winner #TheWheel.”

The episode also featured Hannah, whose emotional testimony profoundly moved Joe Marler and viewers alike. Hannah tearfully shared how Marler had a significant impact on her mental health and helped shape her life by inspiring her to take up rugby. She revealed her struggles with mental health and a lack of hobbies, crediting Marler’s podcast on mental health and rugby for transforming her path. Hannah stated, "I now play rugby, it is a massive passion of mine and if it wasn’t for Joe then I wouldn’t be doing it." Their shared embrace was a poignant moment, with Michael McIntyre observing it was "so sweet" and unexpected. While Hannah did not win the cash prize, her powerful message and vulnerability garnered widespread admiration, with tweets such as "Hannah talking about mental health, rugby and how much Joe Marler has helped and inspired her #TheWheel” and “Joe Marler is an absolute inspiration and advocate for MH and Rugby. Love the guy. #TheWheel.”

In conclusion, this return of The Wheel showcased compelling personal stories and the heartwarming generosity of spirit. Both Sally’s triumphant win and Hannah’s courageous sharing of her mental health journey, intertwined with Joe Marler’s supportive presence, created an emotionally charged and memorable episode that left a lasting positive impression on the audience.