Bradley Walsh's new Channel 4 quiz show Million Pound Shot was revealed to be a stunt highlighting the consequences of gambling, with contestants confirmed to be actors.
The show, billed as "a brand-new quiz where contestants can win a million," aired on Sunday night with a teased "one huge secret twist in a night of drama." Contestants brought their own bank cards and bet their own money based on confidence in their general knowledge answers, with the chance to win Bet Balls and either take the money or gamble for £1m.
Viewers suspect a hidden experiment
Early in the episode, viewers speculated the show was actually a Derren Brown experiment, given its Channel 4 slot. Suspicion grew moments in as fans noticed the contestants appeared to be actors.
The show quickly "went off the rails" when a contestant named Reece began betting money he did not have. He exited the studio in tears as a row broke out in the audience.
Twist revealed as gambling awareness stunt
Walsh then revealed the truth: the show was a stunt designed to highlight the consequences of gambling. It used techniques and terminology found in gambling adverts to shed light on industry practices.
The contestant was inspired by the story of a real gambling addict who fell into huge debt.
Gambling Commission responds
In response, the Gambling Commission issued a statement saying it has implemented a wide range of consumer protections in recent years, including tightening rules on free bets. It said all operators are required to look out for and act on the warning signs of harm.
