ITV has given a final answer on the future of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? by ordering 15 more episodes and 20 of spin-off show Millionaire Hot Seat. Hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, the new format adds a high-pressure twist to the classic quiz as contestants compete in a fast-moving queue system, where players must answer quickly or risk being replaced by the next challenger waiting for the Hot Seat.
Strong Ratings and New Winner
Both Millionaire shows have delivered strong ratings for ITV, in part thanks to a new winner of the top prize and another contestant reaching the final £1m question. Roman Dubowski from Manchester won the £1m prize in the opening episode of the series this year. He told the Mirror he celebrated with a cup of tea after correctly answering that a Bass Ale logo appeared in the novel ‘Ulysses’ and paintings by Picasso and Manet.
Weeks later, Andrew Fanko missed out on the chance to take the jackpot but insisted his £500,000 prize had still saved his family financially. There have been a total of seven winners of the £1m in the UK since the show began in 1998.
ITV Executive Comments
Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment, Reality & Daytime Commissioning at ITV, said: “The Millionaire brand continues to deliver for ITV audiences and Millionaire Hot Seat has brought an exciting new energy to the format. The combination of Jeremy Clarkson’s hosting and the high-pressure gameplay has proved a winning formula, so we’re delighted to be bringing both Millionaire Hot Seat and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? back for more episodes.”
Ratings and Production Details
Millionaire Hot Seat was the third most-watched entertainment series on ITVX this year, after Britain’s Got Talent and The Masked Singer, and averaged 3.7 million viewers. The original show also continues to bring in big audiences. Matthew Worthy, Co-CEO of makers Stellify Media, said: “Hot Seat adds a completely new dynamic to the Millionaire format. The pressure of the clock and the tactical ‘Pass’ create real jeopardy for contestants and viewers alike. We’re thrilled ITV audiences have embraced it and look forward to raising the stakes again in series two.”
Clarkson replaced Chris Tarrant as the host when the show returned in 2018 after a four-year break.
