Ernie Sigley
Run dates: 2006 (for ~6 months)
Production company: Grundy Organisation
Network: 7
Host: Larry Emdur
Hostess: Laura Csortan
Announcer: John Deeks
Ernie Sigley
Spun-off into a Saturday night program, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,' screening from 1990-1991.
Tony Barber was appointed host in July 1996, as part of a major re-vamp for the show, in an attempt to boost ratings and attract a younger audience. However, the plan backfired, ratings slumped, boycotting and hate-mail campaigns ensued. Tony "resigned" at the end of that year (at least that's what the press releases said), and Rob Elliott became the new host at the start of the 1997 season. Adriana Xenides was absent for seven months (November 1996-June 1997, Tony's final month, and Rob's first shows) due to illness. Guest hostesses took the show through to the end of 1996. Until she returned in 1997, Kerrie Friend was guest hostess (amid speculation that she would gain the job permanently). Adriana undertook another indefintite sick leave period in 1999, with Sophie Falkiner filling in. Adriana officially resigned during this absence, and Sophie gained the job full-time.
As part of a revamp, including a move from the 5.30pm to 5pm timeslot and the inclusion of a new 'touch screen' letterboard, Rob Elliott was sacked in late 2003 and Steve Oemcke was appointed host (see articles below). Steve's stint as host lasted until the show was 'rested' in late 2004. The show began to air again in 2006 with new hosts, but this version only lasted for ~6 months
John Burgess
The wheel also contains 'Bankrupt', 'Lose a Turn', 'Free Spin', and special prize spaces. Contestants who solve the puzzles are able to 'spend' their score in the prize shop.
Tony Barber and Adriana Xenides
Tony Barber hands the show over to Rob Elliott, January 1997
New Wheel Of Fortune host announced
eBroadcast, 5 January 2004
Oemcke's in driving seat
Sydney Confidential, Daily Telegraph, 5 January 2004
Good luck runs out for Wheel of Fortune
Sun Herald, 18 June 2006
Theme music to the 1990-1991 Saturday night celebrity shows*
Short-lived opening theme to the revamped 1996 show*
Short-lived closing theme to the revamped 1996 show*