Graham Norton has taken the helm as the host of the revived version of Wheel of Fortune on ITV, but the new format has divided viewers. The popular game show, which originally aired from 1988 to 2001, made its return this weekend with some changes to the gameplay.
Contestants Becca, Kurt, and Soraya competed in the first episode of the new series, spinning the wheel to determine the value of each correctly guessed letter. However, unlike the previous version, there was no assistant to turn over the letters on the board. Instead, a computerized board revealed the locations of the letters.
This change in format sparked criticism from viewers, with many taking to social media to voice their disappointment. Some viewers expressed their desire for a glamorous assistant to turn the letters, while others lamented the absence of the classic theme tune and the overall charm of the original show.
The lack of former assistants Jenny Powell and Carol Smillie also raised questions among the audience. Some viewers wondered why they weren’t brought back for the revival, with one person teasing that AI can’t beat a bit of Jenny.
Jenny, who served as an assistant on the show from 1995 to 2000, has previously spoken about her role, admitting that she hated it. She described her job as simply turning letters around and not having much dialogue, referring to herself as a dolly bird.
Despite the mixed reaction from viewers, Wheel of Fortune will continue airing on ITV and ITVX next Saturday. The first episode of the new series can be viewed on the streaming platform ITVX.
While some viewers have expressed disappointment with the updated format, others may appreciate the new approach. With Graham Norton at the helm, this revival of Wheel of Fortune will undoubtedly offer a fresh perspective on the classic game show.
