'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' is returning with a brand new host

It's to mark the 20th anniversary!

Author: Alex RossPublished 9th Mar 2018
Last updated 9th Mar 2018

Believe it or not, it has been 20 years since the first ever episode of hit ITV game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? aired in the UK. And to celebrate the anniversary, bosses have confirmed the popular show will return with a brand new celebrity host.

The classic show is set to return for a week of hour long episodes later in the Spring, with The Grand Tour's Jeremy Clarkson hosting the show.

Speaking about the return of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Jeremy 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 seven new celebratory shows will follow exactly the same format as they used to, contestants will be asked 15 questions on their way to that all important £1,0000,000, with the help of the three lifelines, ask the audience, ask a friend and 50:50.

Admitting she wants the show to be introduced to a brand new generation, Siobhan Greene, Head of Entertainment at ITV said, “It felt like a no brainer to celebrate a show that was a trail blazer 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. And with TV legend Jeremy Clarkson asking the questions, frankly anything could happen. I can’t wait.”

The show, which was previously hosted by Chris Tarrant, last hit our TV screens back in 2014. In its early days the show was insanely popular with viewers, with one episode gaining an impressive 19 million viewers.

Over its 16 years on the box, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? has produced a number of winners, with Judith Keppel becoming the first ever winner of the show in 2000. She's still to date the only woman to win the show.

Watch her winning moment below:

As well as Judith, five other people won the show including David Edwards, Pat Gibson, Ingram Wilcox and Charles Ingram. However, after his victory in 2001, Charles' payout was suspended by ITV when he was accused of having his wife in the audience as an accomplice.

Over 160 versions of the show have aired across the world since the first episode back in 1998. These include countries such as India, America, Australia, Spain and China.

The new series of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? will air on ITV later in the Spring.

Now take a look at the original names of some of your favourite TV shows:

Friends

We all know and love it as Friends, but the TV show could have been called something very different...

'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' is returning with a brand new host
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