Jeremy Clarkson is set to take over as the new host of ITV's iconic quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? for a special week-long run this spring, marking the programme's 20th anniversary.
The former Top Gear presenter replaces Chris Tarrant, who hosted the show for 15 years and said in 2014 that he believed the programme had 'run its course'. Clarkson expressed his excitement, stating: 'I have always loved the show and am thrilled to be involved with its rebirth.'
ITV has promised 'a number of new twists and turns' for the show's return. The format will remain familiar: contestants answer 15 increasingly difficult questions for a chance to win £1 million, with lifelines including 'ask the audience', 'phone a friend', and '50:50'. The show will air seven nightly hour-long episodes.
In its heyday, Millionaire attracted up to 19 million viewers in 1999 and became a global phenomenon, with versions in the US, India, Australia, Japan, and Russia, and inspiring the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. Only five contestants have won the top prize in the UK.
ITV's head of entertainment, Siobhan Greene, said: 'I hope Millionaire will be introduced to a whole new generation. And with TV legend Jeremy Clarkson asking the questions, frankly anything could happen. I can't wait.'
