Larry Takes the Wheel

After a year long absence from the weekday afternoon game show line-up, Wheel of Fortune has returned for its 25th year on Australian television. The game itself hasn't changed much over the years; the set has had a glitzy make-over while the wheel and sound effects remain the same. Larry is joined by co-host Laura Csortan who has the important and challenging job of standing next to the puzzle board, looking glamorous in evening wear and revealing letters with the touch of her hand.

After the obligatory contestant introductions, the cut-throat competition begins and Larry reigns supreme as the game show king, livening things up while the wheel spins with his effortless banter. He transformed the latest incarnation of The Price is Right with his unique style and looks set to do the same for Wheel of Fortune. Unlike many television presenters and so-called celebrities, Larry does not take himself seriously. His wry smile gives it all away, he knows full well that it's not rocket science and doesn't pretend that it is. He's there to have fun and make it fun for everyone else.

After the audience frenzy that greeted Larry each afternoon on The Price is Right, the Wheel of Fortune audience seems quite sedate, but then it is a more sensible game isn't it? No more playing frivolous games to win prizes, instead, a little bit of luck and a little bit of skill are required to solve Wheel of Fortune's word puzzles. One ill-chosen letter could mean the difference between prizes galore or going home empty handed. Episode one for 2006, the 5,000th episode of the show, finished with a lucky contestant going home with a brand new car and while there was celebration, the days of over-excited winning contestants becoming airborne and landing in Larry’s arms might sadly be over.

This year sees an escalation in the battle between channels Seven and Nine to capture the hearts of the afternoon game show audience. Seven’s double whammy of Wheel of Fortune and Deal or No Deal will soon be challenged by Nine’s resurrection of Family Feud with their new star recruit Bert Newton. There can only be one winner.

So is Larry Emdur and Wheel of Fortune a successful combination? Aye, aye captain!

Editor's Note:  If you'd like to become a contestant on Wheel of Fortune, send an email to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or send a stamped self addressed envelope to Locked Bag 2222 St Leonards NSW 2065. Good Luck!

Comments (7)

Mrs written by Antonietta Zanon on July 27, 2006 Hi Larry and Laura I thoroughly enjoy your show and make every effort to watch it every day. Keep up the good work and smiling makes the whole game exciting Regards Antonietta Zanon ... written by Neb Senoz on August 17, 2006 i love watching wheel of fortune, go Larry!!!! ... written by talisa morris on October 25, 2006 I have been watching wheel of fortune since I was a little girl and I have always wanted to be a constestant. Please consider me. n/a written by unknown on November 18, 2006 Takako Uehara the price is right written by ian laudato on March 15, 2007 game over marisa written by ian on March 15, 2007 marisa wins $568,316 why? beacause of watching on youtube Wheel of fortune. written by Kaitlynn on March 15, 2007 I so totally love wheel of fortune. I used to watch it with my grandma but know I watch it with or with out her. I love that show and I hope to see it continue for as long as possible. Sincerely, Kaitlynn Somerset Kentucky

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 just thouht I would let you Wheel fans know, the contestant hotline is 02 94340718 and to book tickets 1800247777. And congrats to Laz and Laura for thier 100th episode

bec, June 16, 2006 8:35

 larry iv been trying for awhile countless times 2 b on one of ur game shows!no luck, iv av jst been waiting 4 my favourite host2 host my favourite game show,Larry&Wheel of Fortune mayb this time i'll get a chance if im lucky. here hoping2 c u sooon thanking you Michelle Jacques

michelle jacques, May 26, 2006 1:38

 How old do you have to be to be a contestant. I'm 17 but really want to give it a go

Matt, May 26, 2006 2:00

 Hi, My mum has been watching wheel of fortune for too many years.. continualy saying "i should be on this show" i just want her to have the chance, and finally be "on that show". PLEASE....

Emily Chomley, May 24, 2006 2:35

 hey my mum always watchs wheel of fortune. Shes so good at doing the questions she is so fast at doing them. my mum has sent an e-mail asking to a contestant but i really hope she will please put my mum on please

joannnie, May 19, 2006 4:31

 Have enjoyed WoF for ages, but have become increasingly frustrated at the way the game is played in relation to the purchase of vowels. May I suggest that you check the rules of the English version of WoF - if I remember correctly, it used to cost 500 points to buy a vowel, thus eliminating any contestants' desire to buy 3, 4 or 5 in one hit. Do you realise how boring it is to watch one contestant doing all the calling - I feel sorry for the other 2 waiting. This past week has been dull and painful - if you don't believe me, listen to the studio audience - they are as bored as me -hopefully Leighanne will not be around too much longer and we can have a bit of fun again. On a different note, I felt sorry for Deidre last night - she obviously knew "The African Queen Elizabeth" but said Afriquin - poor woman has buck teeth! Do the judges have no compassion or understanding?

Mary Merrick, May 18, 2006 10:00

 what is the website to go to so you can apply to be a contestant on the wheel of fortune show in sydney. thank you

jessica, May 17, 2006 3:20

 i think its is a great show i would love to put my mum on in it so she could win some cool prizes for once our family isint the luckiest but we did get a bit of luck on 24/11/05 my mum had a baby all you guys ROCK

kaddy, May 11, 2006 11:25

 I love the show, its great afternoon entertainment!! would love to be a contestant.

kelli hyland, May 5, 2006 2:32

 Hello I'am just wantnig to know how I go putting my partners name down for an audition for the show? Kind Regards Justin Church

justin church, May 4, 2006 12:48

 Can you please tell me the name of the designer for the dress Laura wore last night - it was a long green dress.

Jemma, May 2, 2006 12:21

 I was a contestant on the show just recently and it is being aired on tv tonight and for the next 5 nights. I was lucky enough to be champ quite a few times and had an absolute ball. Larry is fantastic and lovely, as is Laura. The team do a great job with auditions and tapings and i would reccommend it to everyone.

Melissa Herbert, May 1, 2006 11:19

 I would like to apply to become a contestant on the show. Please advise. Thank You!

Karen Sampson, May 1, 2006 11:14

 My boyfriend and I love competing over who can guess the answer first. I would love the opportunity to prove on national T.V how much better I am than him!!

Beki, April 28, 2006 4:16

 Hey, does anyone know how long it takes before you get an application form after you sent in for one? I did this a couple of months ago and still have not recieved any thing!

bec, April 27, 2006 5:56

 hi ihave auditioned three times and have got through twice i have waited and waited to become a contestant but still havent been picked i hope to hear from the wheel soon i watch it every day and will continue to do so larry has made it more enjoyable it is one of my favourite shows see ya lindy april 27th 2006

lindy gee, April 26, 2006 4:55

 hi i have auditioned three times and have got through twice and i have waited and waited for my chance to become a contestant i hope it will come soon as this is my show iwatch it every day and larry makes it enjoyable hope to hear from the wheel soon thanks lindy april 2006

lindy gee, April 26, 2006 4:44

 I would love the opportunity to become a contestant for the Wheel of Fortune with Larry?? How do i do it? Please let me know. Thanking you Natalie Furze.

natalie furze, April 26, 2006 1:59

 Larry is fantastic anyone with a big smile and a sense of humour is great for channel seven. The big wheel is the winner in our home.

Kimberly, April 24, 2006 3:00

  love the show,i have been watching it for years,please pick me as a contestant,i would really love to win larry is great for this show as he was for ,the price is right,i have changed stations to watch him, well done seven michelle

michelle murray, April 21, 2006 5:49

 i am so excited to even participate in a chance on appearing on the wheel of fortune... i love the show, i love larry xxx

ana maria , April 17, 2006 7:13

 I would like to become a contestant on the wheel of fortune, please send me more information on how i can do this. thanks

Ramona Younan, April 16, 2006 11:52

 Hi, My boyfriend is really good at solving the puzzles on the wheel of fortune and i was wondering how i go about him become a contestant! We watch it every night and he is unbelievable, he gets em sooo quick i dont even bother trying to guess them anymore haha!! Please let me know Thanks Jessica

Jessica, April 9, 2006 11:44

 I reckon Wheel is just getting like Price, with over excited contestants... see the champ a couple of days ago? She was hysterical!!!!

Bec, April 9, 2006 6:39

 I love the wheel of fortune and I would love to be a contestant.

Thomas Martin, April 8, 2006 8:02

 I would love to become a contestant on Wheel of Fortune can you let me know how to go about it.

Jan Shaw, April 6, 2006 1:53

 how do i become a contestant on wheel of fortune

allicia, April 4, 2006 10:44

 how do i apply to become a contestant on the big wheel.

aaron , April 4, 2006 9:11

 hI MY NAME IS CRAIG JUST WANTING TO KNOW HOW DO I BECOME A CONTESTANT ON THE SHOW

CRAIG LEONARDI, April 4, 2006 7:27

 How do i become a contestant on the wheel of fortune please?

anna, April 4, 2006 3:49

 Hey guys, Just wondering if you could tell me how i go about being a contestant on the wheel.

Nick, March 31, 2006 12:14

 I loved being with larry on the price is right, now i would love to play wheel of fortune with him. How do i become a contestant?

mervette, March 30, 2006 6:51

 Absolutely love the show and have been wanting to become a contestant for years. Please advise how I go about it and when & where auditions are held in Melbourne. Thanks :-)

Julie , March 28, 2006 11:58

 I attended WOF auditions today, it was good fun. Waitin for my call now!! How good is Wheel!!

Clint, March 25, 2006 6:12

 I am interested in becoming a contestant on the show please email me on how to go about it thank you.

Melinda Gilday, March 22, 2006 9:10

 How do I applu to become a contestant on wheel of fortune, I have been wanting to do this for years

How do I apply to become a contestant, March 21, 2006 5:47

 Yes you can be a contestant if you live in Melbourne, you will just have to spend a couple of nights in Sydney

Curtis, March 19, 2006 8:27

 I think Larry has given a good dose of magic to my favourite tv game. How do I register to become a contestant on the show. Thanks

jai, March 16, 2006 2:17

 i will love to be on ur show ive watch wheel of fortune for 10 years and i havent got in yet please i relly wanna be on the show thankyou Vicki David

Vicki, March 15, 2006 8:22

 It's very difficult to find out how to become a contestant on wheel of fortune

Maria, March 12, 2006 6:28

 I would love to be a contestant on Wheel of Fortune, how do I become one?

Fiona Hall, March 12, 2006 5:03

 how do i become a contestant on wheel of fortune?

Scott Mewburn, March 5, 2006 6:22

 Does anyone have any pictures of the new wheel with larry and laura

Curtis, March 1, 2006 5:35

 When will auditions be held in Adelaide?

Sia, March 1, 2006 7:37

 I have always loved the show but now it's even better with Larry. Can I be a contestant if I live in Melbourne and how?

Aaron Lipson, February 28, 2006 8:47

 Send an email to wheeloffortune@grundytv.com or send a stamped self addressed envelope to Locked Bag 2222 St Leonards NSW 2065

become a contestant, February 28, 2006 3:41

 How do I become a contestant on wheel of fortune? It's my favourite game show!

kate maloney, February 28, 2006 1:54

 article was great ,also do you have imfo on how to become contestant on show(WoF).Thankyou

ali knights, February 25, 2006 3:53

 How do I become a contestant for the Wheel of Fortune?

Lisa, February 24, 2006 7:23

 ive always wanted to audition for wheel of fortune and now that Larry's on i really want to!!! How can i make this dream a reality? =o)

Jacinta, February 23, 2006 10:07

 How do i become a contestant on the Wheel Of Fortune?

Amanda Baqleh, February 23, 2006 6:33

 How do you audition for Wheel of Fortune

Jeremy, February 20, 2006 8:12

 i love the show how do i become a contestant

diane phillips, February 20, 2006 3:11

 how cool is wheel of fortune? i reckon larry is doing such a fantastic job... this is the best show on atm. i luv laz on price n i luv him on wheel

bec, February 16, 2006 6:09