ITV's new spin-off of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, titled Millionaire Hot Seat, debuted on Tuesday evening. The programme, presented by Jeremy Clarkson, retains the same premise but introduces several format changes, including a shorter runtime of around 30 minutes.
In the new format, contestants face a rotating queue and have limited time to answer questions. They are allowed just one 'pass' during the game. Clarkson described the show as 'pure concentrated Who Wants To Be A Millionaire juice – no lifelines, no hesitating, and five people waiting to jump into the chair when someone makes a mess of things.'
Viewer reactions on social media were mixed. Some criticised the format, with one user calling it an 'awful rehash' and another saying it was 'too bitty' and 'hard on the contestants'. However, others appreciated the quicker pace, with one viewer remarking: 'I like the pace of it.'
The show originated in Australia nearly 20 years ago, where it has run for 15 seasons. The UK version still offers a top prize of £1 million, with the winner determined by who occupies the 'hot seat' at the end of the episode.
In the first episode, firefighter Simon Williams from Notting Hill won £20,000. He answered correctly that Paul Atreides is the character who has not appeared in a film directed by Ridley Scott. Williams said he plans to use the winnings for a family trip to New York, a Manchester United season ticket for his son, and a holiday to the Maldives with his girlfriend.
The original Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? recently aired a festive special, with celebrities competing for charity. Former rugby player Joe Marler won £64,000 for CALM, and comedian Katherine Ryan raised the same amount for Women's Health Information & Support Centre.
