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On Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, host Ryan Seacrest has implemented a new rule: no climbing or acrobatics while driving. The alteration resulted from an incident in a future episode where co-star Bruno Tonioli tried the enormous spinning wheel while guest contestant Derek Hough reportedly hopped on it.
The physical fun had to halt because, as Seacrest said, they only have one wheel and any damage would "break the show." The rule change demonstrates how, on this primetime game show, even a humorous incident may result in significant production issues and prompt policy changes.
This may also represent a minor change for seasoned viewers: Celebrity Wheel of Fortune is still audacious and lighthearted, but it now has a little more backstage organization to protect the show. Everyone, from contestants to crew, has been reminded that fun requires rules as the season progresses and more celebrity guests are scheduled to fight for charity.
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune: Why Ryan Seacrest put a lid on wheel antics
Ryan Seacrest and the production team intervened with a new prohibition after guest star Derek Hough tried to climb the spinning wheel during the Celebrity Wheel of Fortune filming. The new rule states that no one is allowed to mount, jump on, or physically alter the wheel's structure after a typical spin. The regulation is in place to provide security, safeguard the integrity of the set, and maintain the show's iconic image.
What happened and how the rule came to be
Derek Hough, who is well-known for his energetic movements and dance experience, jumped on the podium during the recent episode's filming and tried to mount the enormous 2,400-pound wheel while Bruno Tonioli spun it for amusement. The wheel is essential to the show, and any damage may stop filming or cause the season to be delayed, which worries the production executives.
In an open discussion of the incident, Ryan Seacrest stated that they "had to sort of say, 'Stick to the ledge.'" Physical contact is now expressly prohibited by the new regulation: no acrobatics, climbing, leaping on the wheel, or utilizing it as a stage prop. The change demonstrates how, on a prominent television set, even a humorous event can lead to significant production safeguards.
What this means for the show’s tone and safety protocols
With the rule in place, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune signals that while star guests will continue to bring personality and energy, the game set remains a controlled environment. Contestants must now keep their focus on solving puzzles and spinning, rather than showboating on the wheel itself. This shift reinforces the show’s core format over spectacle.
From a production standpoint, the change adds an extra layer of safety. No longer will guests treat the wheel as a prop for stunts. Instead, the wheel retains its iconic status without becoming a playground. For viewers, the rule might feel minor, but for the production team, it’s about protecting months of planning, logistics, and brand value. In short, the game stays fun, but the wheel’s off-limits as a stage.
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Watch Celebrity Wheel of Fortune on NBC.
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