The Wheel's Michael McIntyre stops BBC show as star accused of 'cheating' minutes into return
Michael McIntyre appeared to accuse a celebrity expert on The Wheel of 'cheating' just minutes into the hit show's return on Saturday night, with him stopping the round and likening what was happening to the infamous Who Wants To Be A Millionaire coughing scandal.
Having proved to be an instant hit when it launched on the BBC a few years ago, The Wheel is now one of the biggest quiz programmes on British TV, pulling in impressive ratings and being nominated for a National Television Award just last month. That mean that anticipation was high for its new series and, with its comeback arriving right as credits rolled on the latest Strictly Come Dancing live show, millions were sat ready to tune in.
The first episode of the new series saw comedian and presenter Michael joined by celebrity experts including Loose Women star Judi Love, This Morning chef Clodagh McKenna and etiquette expert and podcast host William Hanson. And it was when the first contestant of the night, Alex, was wanting help from YouTuber Niko that Michael heard noises from the audience.
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The question on toys related to a Sesame Street toy causing a Christmas frenzy in the USA in the 90s, with the player reading out all the options for his celebrity helper. Audible coughs could be heard as he considered his options, prompting Michael to step in, as he identified Clodagh, sitting just metres away from him, as the person responsible.
Turning to face her, Michael remarked: "Hang on, it's getting a bit Who Wants To Be A Millionaire here," before shouting "Are you trying to cough the answers?! If you're going to cheat, don't cough after all the answers!"
Michael was of course referring to the controversy surrounding Who Wants to Be A Millionaire involving Major Charles Ingram and wife Diana, who cheated their way to a million on the ITV show back in 2001 , with the scandal since spawning hit drama and stage play Quiz.