United Kingdom, Sept. 5 -- Jim Thornton has been fired from Wheel of Fortune.

The 61-year-old star has been dismissed as the announcer on the long-running game show after Sony conducted a "thorough investigation" into allegations made against him.

A Sony spokesperson said: "Following a thorough investigation, Jim Thornton's employment with Wheel of Fortune has been terminated, effective immediately."

The development comes after the studio had suspended Thornton earlier this week and launched a probe into the allegations - although the company did not reveal their nature.

Sony said: "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 condu...