BBC viewers in tears as Michael McIntyre's The Wheel star breaks down after history-making moment

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 26/10/2025

- 17:57

Fans of the show became emotional over the moving scenes

Michael McIntyre was back on Saturday night with a new series of popular gameshow, The Wheel, and fans were touched as they watched a history-making moment.

The winning contestant, lollipop lady Sally, managed to bag one of the biggest ever jackpots on the show, leaving her in tears as she was overcome with emotion at the result.


The win was even more impressive considering Sally had chosen the game's lowest-ranking celebrities to assist her with the final question.

Former rugby star Joe Marler, who is currently taking part in BBC's The Celebrity Traitors, had come in final place out of the famous faces, with the ranking system based on how many questions they'd got right throughout the show.

Picking risky Mr Marler meant Sally could possibly scoop the £110,000 jackpot.

As she opted for the sportsman's help in a rarely-seen move, Mr Marler quipped: "I'm not doing it. I feel sick."

Thankfully though, the pair managed to work out the correct answer to the all-important final question, and Sally, who earlier this year recovered from cancer, had been uncertain when locking in the answer to a question relating to Olympian Jade Jones.

However, their answer of Taekwondo was in fact correct, and the six-figure sum was Sally's.

Sally

Sally became emotional over the life-changing win

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BBC

"Oh my God," she exclaimed before wiping away tears.

In a state of disbelief, the contestant began asking the celebrities around her if the moment was "really happening".

As Mr McIntyre asked the winner how she'd be spending the eyewatering amount, Sally explained she'd be treating her husband and friends who had supported her though her cancer journey.

She commented: "We can get the van and we can go off on our adventures. I can treat my friends to thank them."

The contestant broke down in tears once again as the audience burst into applause to celebrate the well-deserved win.

She remarked: "What a year," as the presenter agreed: "What a year, of course." He added: "You got the all clear this year."

"Oh my God," Sally repeated before sharing humbly: "I'm not going to hang my lollipop up, mind! I love it... Oh my God. Did that just happen?"

"And well done Joe as well," Mr McIntyre noted.

Joe Marler

Joe Marler helped Sally with the jackpot question

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BBC

Sally wasn't the only one in tears, with BBC viewers also becoming emotional over the poignant moment.
One wrote on X: "I'm so happy for that lady winning #thewheel. got my crying my eyes out… bless her!"

"So good to have #TheWheel back on. Great episode. I’m not crying you are!" a second echoed.

"Noooo why am I crying at The Wheel. So happy for her, warrrrra woman !!! #TheWheel," a third commented.

"Crying tears of happiness for Sally. What a well deserved winner #TheWheel," another fan wrote.

Michael McIntyre

Michael McIntyre celebrated the historic win

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BBC

Someone else asked: "Is everyone else crying watching The Wheel or am I just soft as s***? #thewheel."
"SHES SO CUTE IM CRYING FOR HER #TheWheel," another agreed.

A different viewer quipped: "I'm not crying at #TheWheel. You are."

Another penned: "So happy for the lollipop lady," with one more sharing: "Crying happy tears for Sally #thewheel." (sic)