Ryan Seacrest Bans Physical Antics on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune After Derek Hough Incident

On the September 26, 2025, premiere episode of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, host Ryan Seacrest had to intervene when contestant Derek Hough engaged in risky physical antics by jumping on the game's iconic 2,400-pound spinning wheel during a commercial break. Seacrest warned Hough and fellow Dancing With the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli to avoid climbing or jumping on the wheel, emphasizing that there is only one such wheel and damaging it would jeopardize the show. In response, Seacrest instituted a new rule banning any physical contact with the wheel beyond standard spinning to safeguard the set and maintain the show's integrity. Despite the admonition, the episode featured playful interactions among the Dancing With the Stars cast members, with Hough ultimately winning $63,350 for Feeding America. Seacrest noted that having familiar faces on the show allows for more teasing and fun, and praised the physicality of the guests for adding entertainment value. Additionally, co-host Vanna White gifted Hough a baby blanket in anticipation of his first child with wife Hayley Erbert, adding a warm personal touch to the episode.