Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? will feature its first UK jackpot winner in 14 years when the new series airs on ITV next month. The unnamed contestant answered all 15 questions correctly to become the show's sixth champion.
Host Jeremy Clarkson expressed his amazement, saying he was 'in awe' of the contestant and believes they are the best entrant in the programme's 22-year history. The series was filmed without a studio audience, so the Ask The Audience lifeline was replaced by a second Phone A Friend option.
Clarkson said: 'I was just in awe of this contestant and think they are probably the best the show has ever had.' He added that when confetti fell and he uttered the words 'You've just won £1m', it was 'a little emotional'.
However, some viewers criticised ITV for announcing the winner before the episode aired, with TV critic Scott Bryan calling it a spoiler. One fan said: 'Part of the fun is the anticipation, and when you know it's going to happen, it's ruined.' The Daily Mirror's showbiz editor suggested ITV might have wanted to boost ratings or prevent leaks.
The previous jackpot winner was Ingram Wilcox in 2006. The show's first millionaire was Judith Keppel in 2000, followed by David Edwards, Robert Brydges, Pat Gibson, and Wilcox. Notably, Major Charles Ingram's 2001 win was later overturned due to cheating.
