Nine confirms the Wheel deal

Channel Nine has confirmed what TV Tonight leaked on Thursday (despite both Nine and Tim Campbell’s own management being unable to confirm it at the time) that Campbell has signed to re-host Wheel of Fortune in a head to head battle with Deal or No Deal.

The idea brings to light several interesting coincidences. One, is that Nine has spent the whole week knocking Campbell’s former vehicle National Bingo Night (and expect that to get noticed in TT’s report on Monday!), secondly that Campbell will take on Andrew O’Keefe, nephew of Johnny O’Keefe -the role Campbell is currently playing in Shout The Musical -and finally of course that Wheel was moved aside for Deal a few years ago.

Press Release:

Channel Nine today announced that all-round entertainer Tim Campbell has joined the network.

His first role will be to host a sensational, revamped version of the ever-popular game show, Wheel of Fortune. Nine has commenced production on a fresh, contemporary interpretation of the world’s most successful game show at its GTV-9 studios.

The reinvigorated Wheel of Fortune is currently being rolled out around the world and will be seen week nights on Channel Nine in the coming months.

Tim Campbell is a natural all-round entertainer. He sings, acts and presents with easy knock-about warmth and infectious style. He is best known to Australian audiences as Dan Baker on Home and Away and as a runner-up in Dancing with the Stars, but he is now enjoying critical praise and playing to standing ovations in the lead role of Johnny O’Keefe in the hit musical SHOUT!.

Nine Network Director of Programming, Michael Healy, said: “Tim is a major talent. He brings a vast array of showbiz skills to Nine, including a natural warmth that makes him a great presenter and host.

“We are thrilled that Tim has joined us and we look forward to working with him on a variety of entertainment formats.

“We think Tim is the perfect choice to re-invent Wheel and take on the ailing Deal or no Deal at 5.30pm week nights.”

Tim Campbell said: “Wow, what an amazing time this is. I can’t believe my good fortune this past year or so with all these great gigs on both television and stage coming my way.

“And I can’t help but feel there are really good times ahead at Channel Nine. There’s a real sense of resurgence there right now and I’m so happy to have been asked to be part of that.”

Channel Nine will now begin a nationwide search for a dynamic co-host to join Tim on this exciting game show production.