Ant and Dec Gameshow Millionaire Calls £1m Win 'Worst Moment' of His Life
A former contestant who won a staggering £1 million on a television gameshow hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly has shockingly described the life-changing victory as the worst moment of his entire life. Nathan Hageman, hailing from Ayrshire, scooped the massive jackpot on the ITV programme Red or Black?, but instead of bringing happiness, the windfall precipitated a dramatic spiral into criminal activity and personal turmoil.
From Jackpot to Jail Time
Following his win, Hageman's fortune rapidly evaporated as he indulged in a lavish lifestyle, splurging on flashy cars and exotic holidays, including a trip to Cuba. However, the money soon ran out, and he found himself turning to crime, leading to multiple stints in prison. Among his convictions are theft from a nurse at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading and involvement in dine-and-dash scams. Earlier this month, he was convicted again for threatening a businessman, adding to his criminal record.
Hageman has been jailed three times since his win, with his first post-show imprisonment occurring just three years after the 2011 jackpot. He insists that the win was "the worst thing that ever happened to me", citing blackmail and threats from friends and an ex-partner who targeted him and his mother due to his newfound wealth.
A Troubled Past and Public Backlash
Hageman's criminal history predates his gameshow appearance; five years before Red or Black?, he was jailed for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. ITV was aware of this jail term during his application but claimed ignorance regarding the domestic abuse nature of the offence. After the show aired, domestic violence campaigners and charities demanded he be stripped of his winnings, but ITV and producer Simon Cowell stated their hands were tied legally.
In a recent interview with the Daily Record, Hageman expressed frustration over media portrayals, saying, "There were so many stories published after it about me, but all the stories that were told were exaggerated or made up. I never got to tell my side of any of it or how any of it affected me." He detailed how the win led to isolation and exploitation, rather than the fresh start many had hoped for.
Despite the initial celebration with Ant and Dec and Simon Cowell, Hageman's life has been marred by legal troubles and regret, highlighting a cautionary tale about the unforeseen consequences of sudden wealth.
