A moving moment came when the first contestant, Hannah from Macclesfield, tearfully confessed that Marler was her hero. She had struggled with her mental health and his podcast inspired her to take up rugby. Equally emotional, Marler clutched her in a bear-hug.
Next into the hot seat was lollipop lady Sally from Gateshead, who was celebrating getting the all-clear for lung cancer. Her plans for any prize money were to treat the friends who’d supported her through treatment and buy a camper van for new adventures with her husband. “The Wheel does this to you,” said McIntyre. “It makes you fall in love with our contestants.”
When it came to the climactic cash-out question, she chose Marler as her mentor. “I’m not doing it,” he said. “I feel sick.” He soon relented and after an agonising wait, Sally scooped £110,000, one of the show’s biggest ever wins. “Did that just happen?” she said disbelievingly. “It can’t be right. It’s ridiculous.”
Assured that it was real, Sally embarked on a chaotic victory lap of the studio, clutching everyone in cuddles. “Oh, Joe” she said. “Oh, Sal,” he smiled. What of her day job helping schoolchildren safely across roads? “I’m not hanging up my lollipop,” she said firmly. “I love it too much.” Talk about a feel-good finale.
