WHO WANTS TO BE AN EVEN BIGGER MULTI-MILLIONAIRE?
FINAL ANSWER... IT’S CLARKSON
FORMER Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson is returning to terrestrial TV as the new host of ITV’s Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?
The nerve-wracking quiz show, originally presented by Chris Tarrant, is returning for seven episodes to mark its 20th anniversary.
Yesterday Grand Tour presenter Clarkson, who is worth more than £30million, said: “I have always loved the show and am thrilled to be involved with its rebirth. I’m a big fan of quiz shows and I’m looking forward to hosting this iconic TV show and hopefully making a few millionaires.”
The ITV game show debuted in 1998 and went on to become one of the most popular TV formats across the world.
It has spawned versions in several countries, including the United States, India, Australia, Japan and Russia.
It also inspired Danny Boyle’s Oscarwinning film Slumdog Millionaire.
The show sees members of the public asked increasingly difficult multiple choice questions as they progress towards a top prize of £1million.
Each contestant has three “lifelines” to help them answer tricky questions – phone a friend, ask the audience and the 50/50 option.
One of the show’s most memorable moments came in 2003 when Army major Charles Ingram was found guilty of cheating his way to the top prize by using a coughing accomplice planted in the audience.
In 2013, after 15 years as host, Tarrant decided to step down and the final episode aired in February 2014.
The new episodes, set to be screened later this spring, will include a number of twists and turns, ITV said.
Its head of entertainment Siobhan Greene said: “It felt like a no-brainer to celebrate the show that was a trailblazer of its time and broke the mould.
“In doing this one-off special week, I hope Millionaire will be introduced to a whole new generation.
“With TV legend Jeremy Clarkson asking the questions, frankly anything could happen. I can’t wait.”
Clarkson fronted Top Gear from 1988 until 2015, when the BBC failed to renew his contract after he attacked one of the producers.
Clarkson and co-stars Richard Hammond and James May signed a reported £160million deal with Amazon for Grand Tour.
Father-of-three Clarkson is dating Lisa Hogan, 46. It is his first relationship since his marriage to second wife Frances Cain ended in divorce in 2014.
JEREMY CLARKSON is as good a choice as any to host the new series of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, not least because he’s managed the trick over 30 times to date himself.
Here’s a tip: front one of the most popular shows in television history and then cut a megabucks deal by moving it elsewhere. It certainly worked for him.