There was a power struggle between then-new co-host (Sexy, but plastic Stacy Hayes) and famed U.S. game show host Chuck Woolery (Scrabble, Love Connection.) After the British bombshell arrived, she quickly and shamelessly took over most of Chuck's on-air duties, as "judge" on the show. This left almost nothing for the popular taskmaster to do, but read off the scores. Plus, their off camera interactions were said to be non-existent or icy at best.
At that point- Chuck threatened to quit, unless of his duties were returned to him and Stacy's role was diminished. Since GSN (Game Show Network) loves Woolery's work, as they run all his old shows and they get a fairy decent number-sided with him and forced all his demands on the show's producer Phil Gurin (Weakest Link.) The gap, in between season 3 and 4 was to allow time for Staci's contract to expire. With Hayes officially fired, Chuck allowed for "Bygones" and happily signed up for more seasons as Lingo's MC.
It is even said that Chuck helped to, hand pick his popular new co-host Shandi Finnessey (a highly, likeable, giggling fan girl with an odd crush on Chuck.) Lingo remains GSN's highest rated and long running show in the network's history.
Still, Stacy may not done with the word game yet. Rumors are starting to persist, that Hayes may host- an all new version of Lingo in the U.K., produced by Gurin. The UK show's first season may use, the current American set and film after the U.S. version completes its fifth season, of its wildly successful new jackpot format.
