The Million Pound Answer That Changed Everything
Twenty-five years ago, the nation watched as Judith Keppel became the first-ever UK contestant to win the jackpot on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. On November 20, 2000, the then 58-year-old correctly identified that Eleanor of Aquitaine was married to King Henry II, securing her place in television history and banking the life-changing £1 million prize.
Smart Money Management Over Splurging
Ahead of the quarter-century anniversary of her landmark victory, the now 83-year-old has revealed her surprising approach to the windfall. Contrary to what many might expect from a sudden millionaire, Keppel told The Times that she still has the money today. "I regarded it entirely that it should be invested and produce an income," she explained, demonstrating remarkable financial foresight.
The mother-of-three from Fulham, South-West London did allow herself some treats from her winnings. She took her daughter, Rosie, on a holiday to see tigers in India and donated a Jeep to a wildlife charity. Beyond these meaningful experiences, however, Keppel's strategy was decidedly prudent.
Having separated from her husband Neil, she decided to hire a finance manager to invest the money in stocks and shares. This approach has consistently generated a decent income from dividends and interest over the past 25 years, effectively turning her game show win into what she describes as "a wonderful pension pot".
The Road to Millionaire Status
Keppel's path to becoming a millionaire required determination even before she stepped into the famous hot seat. The savvy contestant spent approximately £100 repeatedly calling the show's contestant line to secure her place. "I remember targeting one particular day and dialling over and over again," she recalls. Her persistence was so notable that BT contacted her to ask if she realised her telephone bills were rising.
Her knowledge of the winning answer came from a fortunate coincidence. "Just two months before the programme, I'd been in France and visited an abbey church that was completely empty except for these four tombs," she revealed. "One of them was Eleanor and next to her was her husband, Henry II. It was quite spooky in a way."
The financial security transformed her life at a crucial moment. "It made a huge difference to me," Keppel admitted. "I wasn't completely skint but I was a bit worried about money, so I just felt this huge amount of relief." She acknowledged that had she been younger, she might have been tempted to "go out and buy a huge Lamborghini", but her mature approach served her far better.
Keppel, who happens to be a distant cousin of Queen Camilla, remains to this day the UK's only female Millionaire winner. She later returned to the show in 2003 for a winners special, where with the help of footballer David Seaman she won £32,000 for charity, extending her legacy beyond her own financial gain.
