Jeremy Clarkson was left in stitches during Saturday's episode of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire after contestant Maria inadvertently revealed a behind-the-scenes secret. The ITV show typically gives the impression that contestants go home when an episode ends mid-game and return the following week to continue. However, Maria let slip that the next episode is filmed immediately after, with contestants simply changing outfits to maintain the illusion.
The moment occurred when the siren sounded as Maria reached the seventh question, indicating the show had run out of time. Clarkson, 62, said: 'Ah, right, you know what that means.' Without thinking, Maria replied: 'I have to go and get changed.' The comment exposed that participants do not go home but continue filming the same day, changing clothes to create the appearance of a new week.
Clarkson could not contain his laughter as the secret was revealed. Realising her mistake, Maria held her head in her hands and apologised to producers. Clarkson then joked: 'That's exactly what it means. You are absolutely right, I will be seeing you in about an hour's time, but as far as the viewer is concerned you are going home... Maria will be back next time, it says on the autocue, to see if she can get further than £4,000.'
