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“Wheel of Fortune” is to racing to buy a vowel — or a brand new announcer — before the new season even spins, after longtime announcer Jim Thornton was suspended following an alleged airplane incident earlier this year.
TMZ reported that Thornton will be edited out of the upcoming 44th season of the iconic game show as producers scramble to replace him.
The first month of the new season, which premieres Sept. 14, had reportedly already been taped and was ready to air before Thornton’s suspension.
Producers must now re-edit the episodes with a new announcer, in what one source described to TMZ as a “major undertaking.”
Thornton was suspended by Sony Pictures Television Studios after the company learned of allegations stemming from a May commercial flight.
“We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton. He has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune, and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation,” the studio told Page Six.
Sources with direct knowledge told TMZ that a passenger complained about Thornton to a flight attendant, prompting the pilot to request that law enforcement meet him at the gate.
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In a statement regarding the incident, American Airlines told Page Six, “On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) following concerns reported by a customer onboard.”
No further details have been released concerning what may have prompted the complaint.
A source close to the situation tells Page Six that American “followed established procedures in response to the concerns raised onboard” and is cooperating with law enforcement regarding the incident.
Thornton’s attorney, however, told TMZ that the announcer “did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime.”
Thornton has served as the announcer on “Wheel of Fortune” since 2011, becoming the familiar voice heard by millions of viewers as contestants spin the iconic wheel and solve puzzles.
For now, however, viewers tuning into the new season will hear a different voice when the wheel spins.
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