Hosted by comedian Michael, 48, the BBC programme sees three civilian contestants guided by celebrity experts in answering a series of gruelling questions.
While the cash prize increases with the number of correct answers given, an incorrect one sees the player temporarily booted from the game and replaced with a rival.
This evening’s episode saw Salvatore from Bristol, Harbi from London, and Jess from North Somerset compete for the chance to win big.
AJ Odudu, Deborah Meaden, William Hanson, Russell T Davies, Lucy Beaumont, Harry Redknapp and Bash The Entertainer were called in to advise the hopefuls.
And despite Jess swooping her way through the game, she was eplaced by Harbi after making a false guess.
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The cycle repeated as Jess returned, only to be ousted again, allowing Harbi to reclaim his spot.
Harbi advanced to the final round with the opportunity to win, depending on which celebrity guest he chose for assistance.
Despite some setbacks, Harbi ultimately emerged victorious with the help of Harry, leaving Salvatore without a chance to play and sparking outrage among viewers on social media.
Many criticised the fairness of the show’s format, with some alleging rigging and unfair advantages for certain contestants.
However, amid the backlash, some viewers commended Harbi on his win, praising him as a deserving champion.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one fumed, “Is there anyone who actually thinks the way they do the final bit of #thewheel is in anyway fair and if so why are you so so wrong…”
Another added, “Entertaining though the #TheWheel is, it’s fundamentally flawed when one contestant can be on the show and not even get to answer a question, or the same person can get multiple attempts at the jackpot.”
Someone else agreed, “You can’t convince me this s*** isn’t rigged.”
One more raged, “Absolute joke. If you lose 1st time, one of the other contestahts should get a chance.”
Other viewers were quick to congratulate Harbi, though, including one who weighed in: “Fantastic winner tonight, Harbi clearly a good egg, well deserved.”
“Harbi! What a lovely chap & winner,” another commented.
- The Wheel airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
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