Bradley Walsh has spoken to fans after his new Channel 4 gameshow was revealed to be a hoax aimed at educating viewers about "the techniques of the gambling industry".
The Million Pound Shot aired on Sunday night (November 1), following weeks of online speculation about whether the programme was real, after it was billed as "a brand-new quiz where contestants can win a million" with a "huge secret twist" in a night of "drama, tension and life-changing outcomes".
Show staged as gambling awareness experiment
The first half was presented as an ordinary gameshow, with the three contestants using their bank cards in a chip and pin machine when they wanted to play a question. Bradley, who hosts The Chase on ITV, told the audience the players were gambling their real money, and the programme descended into chaos when members of the studio audience started to speak out while believing one of the fake contestants, Reece, was left thousands of pounds out of pocket.
The scenes culminated with a bystander calling the concept of the show "disgusting" after Reece was offered the opportunity to descend into further debt. Amid shouting from the crowd, Reece and his girlfriend Leslie, who was watching in the audience, became distressed and were led off stage.
Bradley reveals the truth to viewers
After dramatically cutting to an ad break, Bradley informed viewers the show had been a "performance" upon its return, adding: "Everything you've seen tonight draws on the techniques used by the gambling industry." The studio audience had been unaware that the events were staged, while the contestants and the heckler were actors.
Bradley went on to introduce the actors who played the contestants and floor manager, explaining how the show had been designed as an experiment to demonstrate how gamblers are often manipulated into continuing to play and spending more money. Throughout the programme, Bradley revealed he had also been using language copied from well-known betting companies. It was later revealed that Reece was inspired by the real-life story of Patrick, a former teacher who became addicted to gambling while at university.
Calls for action on gambling advertising
Taking to Instagram after the show, Bradley told fans: "Thank you to everyone who tuned in to watch Million Pound Shot tonight. I know it was a bit of a shock at first, but this is a vital subject and that's exactly why I wanted to do it.
"A huge thanks to the incredible experts and gambling harm charities who helped shape the show, and to Patrick and (his partner) Charlotte for so bravely sharing their stories."
Addressing viewers' shock, he added: "I hope everyone who watched is feeling okay, and has come away knowing a bit more about the techniques of the gambling industry. If you've been affected by anything in the programme, support is out there, such as the wonderful Gambling Harm UK and Gambling with Lives can help."
Will Prochaska, director of the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, who took part in the show, added: "Even though I knew what was going on, it was distressing to watch. The show depicts the abusive tactics used by gambling companies to get people hooked, and the damage they cause to people and their families."
"Million Pound Shot must be a spur for the Government to act. Andy Burnham has signalled his intention to do something about the out-of-control gambling sector. Now is the time to end gambling advertising."
