Who Wants To Be A Millionaire fans are in for a treat as the ITV show returns with the most dramatic series yet, marking a historic moment in its 28-year run. For the first time in the programme's history, two contestants have reached the nerve-wracking million-pound final question, with producers confirming that at least one will walk away with the jackpot.
Historic Series
The new series, which kicks off tonight, could see the show's seventh winner created. In the first episode, a contestant named Roman will face the million-pound question posed by host Jeremy Clarkson. A clip shown on Good Morning Britain revealed that Roman still has two lifelines intact, including a 50:50, giving him a strong chance of securing the top prize. However, ITV bosses are keeping the identity of the winner under wraps until the episode airs.
The anxious contestant has been sworn to secrecy for months, as winners cannot receive their prize money until after their episode is broadcast due to compliance and contractual requirements. He will now join an exclusive club of just six previous jackpot winners, including Judith Keppel, who became the first millionaire on the show in 2000.
Other Surprises
The series will also deliver other shocks. One contestant loses a staggering £186,000 in a single moment, one of the biggest losses in the show's history. The record for the biggest loss remains with Nicholas Bennett, who lost £375,000 last year after answering the million-pound question incorrectly.
Viewers will also be rooting for a war hero, Joe from Nottingham, a tree surgeon and former Royal Marine who was shot while serving in Afghanistan and now has a robotic leg. He hopes to win big when he takes the hot seat.
Jeremy Clarkson on the Show
Host Jeremy Clarkson says: "I think this might be my favourite series so far. There are some properly nail-biting moments and seeing two contestants get to the £1 million question was extraordinary. When they're sitting there on that final question, the tension in the studio is incredible, you can really feel it. I can't wait for people to watch it."
Clarkson also praised the show's enduring appeal: "It's genuinely the granddaddy. There are a number of good TV quizzes but there is no getting away from the fact this is the big daddy, it's the GOAT, it's the OG. You can play at home. You have time to discuss with your family members and join in. On most quiz shows, you have to answer the questions as quickly as possible. With Millionaire, you can play along and the money is huge too. Winning a million.. that's very infrequent, but even when they win £64k that's a massive amount of money."
History of the Show
The quiz originally launched in 1998 with Chris Tarrant as host. It regularly peaked in ratings as contestants fought to answer 15 difficult general knowledge multiple-choice questions using three lifelines: 50:50, Ask The Audience, and Phone A Friend. Tarrant coined catchphrases like "Is that your final answer?" and "But we don't wanna give you that!" He stepped down in 2014, and the show was revived in 2018 with Clarkson, who has paid tribute to Tarrant, saying: "I still think it's his show. I am an imposter. Even though I have been doing the show for eight years, I still think of it as Chris Tarrant's show."
Clarkson added an extra lifeline, Ask The Host, which he admits often makes him nervous, especially on topics like women's literature or cookery.
Controversies
The show has faced controversies, most notably in 2001 when Major Charles Ingram won the million-pound prize but was later found guilty of fraud after producers suspected coughing in the audience indicated correct answers. He and his wife Diana, along with accomplice Tecwen Whittock, received suspended sentences. In 1999, three contestants were stripped of winnings for failing to disclose criminal convictions.
Despite these upsets, the show remains strong in 2026, with versions broadcast in 100 countries and spin-offs like Millionaire Hot Seat and Fastest Finger First. Clarkson sees no end in sight: "I don't see how you can become tired of it. It's like saying 'I'm bored of quizzes'. Nobody will ever get bored of quizzes. You can't improve on the format and besides, why mess with it?"
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire is back tonight at 8pm on ITV and ITVX.
