Michael McIntyre’s comedy game show, “The Wheel,” returned to BBC One on November 15, 2025. The episode featured several celebrities, including Joey Essex, who unintentionally became the center of attention due to a major blunder. Viewers expressed their disbelief and amusement at Joey’s performance.
Controversial Moments from The Wheel
The program opens with contestant John, who aimed to win money for his future home. He engaged with celebrity advisor Joey Essex, whose confusion about the game rules sparked an awkward exchange. Joey asked, “What does this mean?” eliciting chuckles from his fellow celebrities and a stunned reaction from McIntyre.
Joey Essex’s Pronunciation Misstep
One of the key questions posed to John and Joey was about the lyrics to “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. The options given included Alibis, Destiny, Control, and Escape. Joey’s mispronunciation of “Alibis” and his question, “What does Alibis mean?” led to laughter from both the studio audience and viewers at home.
Reactions from Viewers
- Viewers took to social media, expressing their disbelief at Joey’s mistake.
- Comments ranged from criticizing his education to finding humor in his antics.
One viewer tweeted, “Alibis, he’s taking the p*,” while another remarked on the general education level, stating, “The education of some people in this country is appalling.” A separate comment highlighted the absurdity of having Joey on television, questioning the value of “being famous for pretending to be stupid.”
Gameplay Progression
Despite his earlier mistake, Joey and John were able to select the correct answer to the lyrics question, which was “Escape.” However, John’s journey on the show ended when he and co-advisor Oti Mabuse were eliminated after failing to answer a dentistry-related question correctly.
Key Statistics and Show Insights
Later on, John faced a question regarding dental hygiene from a 2024 YouGov survey. The inquiry asked what percentage of British adults brush their teeth twice a day, with options being 22%, 45%, 68%, and 89%. With Oti’s help, John successfully chose 68% as the correct answer. However, it was revealed that Joey incorrectly answered with 45%.
“The Wheel” continues to air every Saturday at 8 PM on BBC One, maintaining its reputation for unexpected moments and celebrity blunders, which keep audiences engaged and entertained.
