Mike Brewer's back in the driving seat as Wheeler Dealers set to return on January 1

4:34 pm, October 13, 2017

THE new series of the popular TV show Wheeler Dealers is due to be aired in the UK from January 1, 2018.

Headed up by hosts Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead, the programmes will be shown on the Discovery channel – and early episodes have already proved a smash hit in America, where the new series is under way.

In fact, the show became the highest ever premiere on the US channel Velocity, although other shows may have rated higher elsewhere.

Wheeler Dealers sees Brewer hunting for interesting cars to be restored and repaired by Anstead, before being sold on.

Speaking exclusively to Car Dealer, Brewer said: ‘We’ve got a total of 18 shows split into two runs of nine, and this season we’ve looked at some iconic cars – opening with a brilliant Ford Escort RS Cosworth.’

The series also features cars including, among others, a 1982 Toyota Supra, 1973 Ford Mustang Mach I and a 1973 Saab 9-6.

Congratulations to @Velocity & the team that let us make this incredible show. Its been a tough year but our determination has paid off. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/tHxYpEUBuj

— Mike Brewer (@mikebrewer) October 12, 2017

Fans were shocked earlier this year when Brewer’s long-standing co-host and master mechanic Edd China decided to quit.

But life goes on and Brewer is delighted by the way Anstead has filled his shoes.

‘I had 13 fantastic years with Edd,’ Brewer told us. ‘We created some amazing cars and had some amazing adventures, but after Edd decided to quit, Discovery decided to continue with the brand and with me – and I’m really glad that they did with Ant Anstead. He’s smashed it.

‘The proof is that we’ve now broken box-office records – the ratings have been through the roof. We’ve achieved the highest-ever viewing figures for Wheeler Dealers in its history.’

The series that will air in the UK from January 1 is the 14th, and was shot in various locations across America.

Meanwhile, Brewer will once again be compering Car Dealer Magazine’s Used Car Awards this year, with the 2017 ceremony taking place at The Brewery in London on November 27.