A new wave of viewer complaints has hit ITV this week, sparked by the broadcaster's decision to air the fast-paced game show Millionaire Hot Seat in a prime-time slot, displacing two of the nation's favourite soap operas.
Soap Fans Left Fuming Over Schedule Shake-Up
The controversy erupted on Monday, January 12, when the Jeremy Clarkson-hosted quiz show aired at 7.30pm. This scheduling move pushed the regular episodes of Emmerdale and Coronation Street back by a full half hour, much to the dismay of loyal fans. The disruption prompted an immediate and angry backlash on social media platform X.
One incensed viewer wrote: '#MillionaireHotSeat What the hell is this s**t? Where's Emmerdale?' Another directly addressed the channel, stating: '@itv will you move #MillionaireHotSeat to after the soaps. It's so boring and repetitive and not needed EVERY DAY.' The sentiment was echoed by others who branded the show 'absolute s***e' and demanded ITV 'sort it out' and 'get the f***ing soaps back on.'
Not Just the Schedule: Contestant 'Waffling' Irks Viewers
This scheduling row is not the first complaint to dog the new spin-off. As episodes have progressed, viewers have also criticised the contestants for their conduct during the game. The format, which features six contestants vying for a top prize of up to £1 million, is designed to be fast-paced, with players having only up to 30 seconds to answer when in the titular hot seat.
However, many watching have expressed frustration at contestants 'waffling' and 'blathering' instead of answering questions quickly. Comments such as 'Wouldn’t you have thought that the time constraint would have cut out all this waffling' and 'Shut up and answer the question already!' have been common. Host Jeremy Clarkson, 65, has defiantly responded to these critiques, stating he instructs contestants to be quick 'before the show every time.'
A 'Cheeky Younger Sibling' to a TV Giant
Despite the complaints, ITV has high hopes for the format. The channel announced Millionaire Hot Seat in July 2025, confirming Clarkson would reprise his role as host. ITV boss Katie Rawcliffe cited the main show's success, noting 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' has reached 18 million viewers on ITV so far this year alone. Commissioning the spin-off was seen as a logical step to 'capitalise on the brand's success'.
The show's producer, Matthew Worthy of Stellify Media, described it as the main show's 'cheeky younger sibling', offering 'more Jeremy, enjoying more money-ladder moments - but with a whole new tone, pace, and feel.' The ruthless rules see a wrong answer ejecting a player and decreasing the top prize, while passed questions are handed to the next contestant. Only the top prize left on the ladder can be won.
While some viewers admit to 'quite liking' the change, the scheduling clash with the cherished soaps has undoubtedly created a significant rift with a portion of ITV's traditional evening audience. Millionaire Hot Seat is available to watch on ITV1 and ITVX.
