Jeremy Clarkson will return as host of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and its spin-off Millionaire Hot Seat for a total of 35 new episodes, ITV has confirmed. The announcement follows Clarkson's disclosure that he had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, which was discovered early, as featured in recent episodes of his reality show Clarkson's Farm.
Cancer Diagnosis and Remission
In a subsequent interview with The Sunday Times, the 66-year-old presenter confirmed that a PSA test taken two months ago showed no indication of cancer, and he is now in remission. The news has been met with relief from fans and colleagues alike.
Millionaire Hot Seat Recommissioned
ITV revealed on Monday that Millionaire Hot Seat, its newest addition to the Millionaire franchise, has been recommissioned for a further 20 episodes after its debut earlier this year. The show features contestants seated in a queue around the hot seat facing Clarkson, where they answer questions to climb a money ladder. A wrong answer results in elimination and a drop in the top prize value. Contestants may also choose to pass and move to the back of the queue, risking not returning to the hot seat to win the top prize.
Return of the Flagship Quiz
Clarkson will also host ITV's flagship quiz Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? for an additional 15 episodes. The most recent series saw a retired IT analyst become the seventh person to win the £1 million jackpot.
ITV Executives Praise the Format
Katie Rawcliffe, director of entertainment, reality and daytime commissioning at ITV, said: “The Millionaire brand continues to deliver for ITV audiences and Millionaire Hot Seat has brought an exciting new energy to the format. The combination of Jeremy Clarkson’s hosting and the high-pressure gameplay has proved a winning formula, so we’re delighted to be bringing both Millionaire Hot Seat and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? back for more episodes.”
Production and Air Dates
The new episodes of both shows will be filmed later this year and are scheduled to air on ITV and its streaming platform ITVX.
