In it to win it!
As Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? returns, quiz host Jeremy Clarkson tells us what it takes to bag TV’s biggest cash prize…
Q What can we look forward to in this new series? A It’s well worth watching. There are some really good, uplifting moments. When you watch someone who’s doing well, and you feel deserves the money, I’m just willing them on. Q What qualities make a great contestant? A A photographic memory – that seems to be the most important thing. You have to be able to look at the dates of every king and queen and be able to remember them. Q What advice would you give anyone who’s wanting to apply for the show? A If you think you might be a bit stupid, just don’t bother making the phone call. Don’t waste my time!
Everybody likes to see somebody they like have good fortune. That’s all we want – likeable people who know lots and lots of stuff! Q Have you picked up lots of interesting facts from your time as the host? A Well, I know the Yellow Pages has ceased production, but I can’t remember the year! It’s useless information that I retain as I can’t remember the important bit of it. Q What’s the hardest part of being the host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? A The usual boring television stuff – remembering not to dribble! Television presenters have a particularly easy ride.
Oh, actually, I know what is difficult for me – I’ve never worked with an autocue, and I can’t read it from a long way away because of my failing eyesight! Q ITV drama Quiz recently portrayed the cheating scandal involving Major Charles Ingram. If there was another series, who would you want to play you?
A It would have to be Michael Sheen. He can play anyone! He’s been Brian Clough, now Chris Tarrant. He’s been David Frost, and he’s a robot in [2016 film] Passengers.
He could play me very easily – he’s incredible, he’s a chameleon.