ITV scoops the Lottery
Live draw back on primetime telly
ITV has won the National Lottery, and is launching its first live draw in a break during Britain’s Got Talent tomorrow.
Stephen Mulhern will host the 90second slot at 8.15pm, with members of the public reading out the results.
In following weeks the segment will visit communities across the UK and give viewers chances to win cash. Live draws were axed last year by BBC1, host since 1994, and moved to iPlayer.
Stephen said: “I’m hugely excited to be part of its return to primetime Saturday night TV.
“Sometimes you forget players raise around £30million every week for good causes. I feel privileged to be bringing those lucky numbers to the nation and being able to show players how money they’ve helped raise has made a difference to communities.”
It comes after MPs warned National Lottery cash for good causes had slumped while operator Camelot’s profits grew. Camelot vowed to “work to maximise returns to good causes”.
Last month it moved its £42million advertising account to a new agency. It confirmed it bought the 90-second ad slot as commercial air time.
Results will be available via BBC Red Button and read out on BBC1, alongside the 36-week show on ITV.