We have a winner

Most of the news on Million Dollar Wheel of Fortune since its launch has been about how Deal has beaten it, or how a previous host dissed the revamp. So just to rebalance the universe, here’s a good news story.

On Monday the show had its first big winner, when Carl Young, 22, of Newcastle won the $200,000 loot.

And it was just in the nick of time. He only had $160 in his bank account and the rent bill was due. Carl invited 40 friends over to watch the show, none of whom knew he had won.

“It was insane trying to keep the news from everyone. I only told them I had won $1700 and a coffee machine and that I would have to wait until the program went to air before I could access the cash,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deal has now dropped its “double shot” extra case.

Press Release:

This evening Newcastle law student Carl Young became Million Dollar Wheel of Fortune’s first big jackpot winner, collecting $215,015 in cash and prizes.

With just $160 in his bank account, Carl, 22, was thrilled to receive the news that he was going to appear on Million Dollar Wheel of Fortune. The rent was overdue, he was considering selling his car to pay the bills, and he wondered how he was going to cope financially.

Carl’s luck changed tonight when he solved the word puzzle for a movie title, Little Miss Sunshine, a film he has seen at least five times and owns on DVD.

Since recording the jackpot episode Carl had to keep his win a secret from family and friends, including his live-in girlfriend, Shelly.

“It was insane trying to keep the news from everyone. I only told them I had won $1700 and a coffee machine and that I would have to wait until the program went to air before I could access the cash,” he said.

Carl enjoyed the win with 40 surprised friends he invited home to watch the show on the Nine Network. Only then was he able to reveal what really happened. However, there was little celebrating for the young student as he sits a taxation law exam tomorrow afternoon. “It all feels surreal and it probably won’t sink in until I see the balance of my bank account,” Carl said.

Million Dollar Wheel of Fortune host Tim Campbell said: “It’s so exciting giving away cash and prizes each night on the show. Carl was such an enthusiastic player. He deserves the win and it was wonderful to share in his excitement as our very first big winner. I’m looking forward to giving away a million dollars soon, but if it doesn’t go off then I’ll be signing up as a contestant myself.”

With his winnings Carl plans to look at investment options with a financial adviser. He would also like to visit Seattle , USA , where he has many friends and take a detour to Las Vegas to try his luck on another wheel – the roulette wheel. Plus he plans on sorting out that overdue rent immediately.