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Contestant’s Hilarious Blunder on Wheel of Fortune Goes Viral

A recent episode of Wheel of Fortune has taken the internet by storm following a lighthearted mistake made by a contestant, Phil McManus. The notable moment occurred during a holiday-themed show that aired on December 17.

McManus, a contestant hailing from Palmer, Massachusetts, confidently approached a puzzle in the “Same Letter” category. The puzzle displayed the phrases “Chocolate, Chestnuts & Chi_ne_s” next to host Ryan Seacrest, who prompted McManus to either solve the puzzle or spin the wheel. Eager to seize the moment, McManus boldly guessed, “Chocolate, Chestnuts and Chickens.” Unfortunately for him, this incorrect answer opened the door for fellow contestant Matt Komma from Riverton, Utah, who swooped in with the correct response: “Chocolate, Chestnuts and Chimneys.” As a result, while Komma managed to add $4,200 to his score, McManus faced a loss of $9,550 due to his miscalculation.

Viewers wasted no time in sharing their amusement across social media platforms. One user on X (formerly Twitter) quipped, “That was my shopping list last weekend,” while another commentator on Instagram expressed their enthusiasm by stating, “I was screaming at the TV.” The humorous blunder even elicited a response from another user who remarked, “I laughed so loud that my deaf dog jumped out of her bed .”

Despite the gaffe, the episode marked a significant moment in McManus’s life. He revealed to Seacrest and viewers that he had been diagnosed with cancer two years prior, facing what he referred to as a “death sentence.” In response to his diagnosis, McManus created a bucket list that included attending a Blink-182 reunion concert, going to WrestleMania, and experiencing his first visit to Disneyland. He shared, “I’d never been to Disneyland, and I actually went last night for the first time,” noting that he is now in remission.

This isn’t McManus’s first encounter with a viral misstep on the legendary game show. Earlier in November, another contestant named Will humorously mis-solved the puzzle “Give yourself a round of applause,” suggesting “Treat yourself a round of sausage.” Afterward, Seacrest lightheartedly commented, “Will, I kind of like yours better,” adding that it sounded more appealing than just applauding.

Such incidents highlight the whimsical and entertaining nature of Wheel of Fortune, making it a beloved program for many, even amidst the occasional blunder.

Source
people.com