The star-studded Christmas special will air on Christmas Day
Samantha King Content Editor
12:01, 22 Dec 2025
A Strictly Come Dancing star was asked to leave the set of BBC game show The Wheel after a tense exchange with host Michael McIntyre during filming for the Christmas special.
The festive edition of the show will air on Christmas Day (December 25) with the usual civilian contestants replaced by celebrities Richard Osman, Mel Geidroyc and Paddy McGuinness.
Meanwhile the eight famous faces hoping to help them through their questions will be Gyles Brandreth, Josie Gibson, Big Narstie, Tim Vine, Zara McDermott, Gladiator and Strictly star Nitro and Gavin and Stacey icons Matthew Horne and Joanna Page.
In scenes seen by the Mirror ahead of the episode airing, Nitro – real name Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – was asked to leave the show after a revelation about his Christmas Day routine.
Michael McIntyre demanded Nitro ‘get off’ the show(Image: BBC)
“I think that the later you open your presents on Christmas Day the more middle class you are,” contestant Richard Osman declared. “I met someone the other day, his family, before they open their presents they go for a walk.”
The story left host Michael horrified, and he swiftly turned to the celebrity experts to ask them the “average times you’ve opened presents on Christmas Day.” Answers ranged from 4am to 10am, while Tim Vine sparked gasps from his co-stars after admitting it was “usually about 3 o’clock in the afternoon.”
However, it was Nitro that sparked the biggest uproar after announcing it was typically 7pm that he got around to the Christmas Day present exchange.
Nitro jokingly started to get out of his seat before doing a workout where he sat(Image: BBC)
“Tell the truth man,” player Richard begged, as Nitro continued: “Honest truth. Because there’s other things to enjoy, you know obviously I train first, then I eat.”
“Oh get off, get off,” Michael groaned as he pointed towards the studio exit visibly disgusted by the admission. “Go away, nobody can relate to that,” while Nitro began doing a workout on his chair.
“Shall I head off that way?” Nitro laughed as Richard interjected: “Do you know what Nitro, thank you for ruining Christmas.”
Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 6.45pm on Christmas Day (December 25). For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.