BBC game show The Wheel is getting a chance to prove it’s a money-spinner Stateside - and turn host Michael McIntyre into a Hollywood star.
The comic, 46, has landed a multi-million pound deal to front the series on US giant NBC this month.
He is already being tipped to be the next James Corden, 44, who became a massive Stateside success after landing the job of hosting The Late Late Show.
Michael is already said to be worth more than £60million.
And sources say if the initial two-week run of The Wheel is a hit with American viewers, a bigger deal and long series could be in the pipeline.
An LA TV insider said: “Two weeks as a relative unknown on US prime terrestrial TV is a big deal for Michael.
“NBC does not just hand these huge timing slots and important advertising revenue earning hours over to people who they think are not winners.
“They feel Michael’s warmth, wit and clever interactions with the stars and contestants make him a unique host. They loved the BBC version and feel the opportunity is there for it to boom with Michael in the US. The recordings went brilliantly and produced many laugh-out-loud moments.”
Michael, who is one of the highest-earning British comedians, has teamed up with top executive Mike Darnell, known for “having the golden touch with British talent”.
He helped Simon Cowell, 63, and Gordon Ramsay, 56, become big names in the US with American Idol and Hell’s Kitchen.
Michael, who created the series, will welcome global names as guests during the fortnight’s run, which starts on December 19 – including chat host Ricki Lake, 54, actress Christina Ricci, 42, Strictly’s Bruno Tonioli, 67, and Tiger King’s Carole Baskin, 61.
In the hour-long episode, six celebrity guests help contestants for the chance to win over $100,000.
The source said: “The teams are working on promoting Michael across the country. They believe his humour will be a hit with audiences for longer than this short run. There is genuine hope that this will mark the start of a full series booking next year.
“In the next few days, billboards will start popping up showing his face.”
