Bradley Walsh has issued a statement after his new Channel 4 game show Million Pound Shot aired for the first time on Sunday night, revealing that the entire concept was a performance designed to expose the techniques used by the gambling industry.
The programme was promoted by the broadcaster as "a brand-new quiz where contestants can win a million," with Channel 4 hinting at a "huge secret twist" in a night of "drama, tension and life-changing outcomes." The first half of the show was presented as an ordinary gameshow, with three contestants using their bank cards in a chip and pin machine to play questions.
The Show's Secret Twist
Host Bradley Walsh told the audience the players were gambling their real money, and the programme descended into chaos when members of the studio audience began to speak out, believing one of the fake contestants, Reece, was left thousands of pounds out of pocket.
He later informed viewers that the show had been a "performance" and that the contestants were actors. He said: "Everything you've seen tonight draws on the techniques used by the gambling industry." The programme was designed to educate viewers about these techniques, which Walsh has since described as a "vital" topic.
Walsh's Social Media Statement
The Chase presenter shared a statement on social media shortly after the episode aired. Sharing a photo from the episode, the 66-year-old said: "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."
He added: "A huge thanks to the incredible experts and gambling harm charities who helped shape the show, and to Patrick and Charlotte for so bravely sharing their stories. 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."
Viewer and Expert Reactions
Fans took to the comments on Instagram to praise the show. One said: "Well done a very powerful show." A second said: "We were crying as he realised he'd won nothing, literally saying this shouldn't be allowed. And then the next 30 minutes of TV had us in more tears. What a show, absolutely fantastic."
During the programme, it was revealed that Reece was inspired by the real-life story of Patrick, a former teacher who became addicted to gambling while at university. Patrick shared the story of his 13-year addiction, explaining he had accumulated around £250,000 in debt but said his final bet happened in 2018.
Will Prochaska, director of the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, who took part in the show, said: "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."
