David Liddiment, Program Director at ITV (1997-2002)
As the overseer of programming schedules at ITV, I came across a game show concept that caught my attention due to its innovative format. It was initially called Cash Mountain, a television adaptation of a radio game show called Double or Quits hosted by Chris Tarrant, which had already made a mark. Despite its potential, it had been rejected by several industry insiders. This piqued my curiosity, prompting me to invite the producer, Paul Smith, to present the complete concept alongside Claudia Rosencrantz, who was ITV’s entertainment controller at the time.
One of my primary concerns was the financial risk associated with the show. The format of providing four multiple-choice answers appeared straightforward initially. However, after playing a trial game with Paul and using Claudia as a lifeline, I realized the psychological pressure increased with the prize money, casting doubt even on seemingly easy questions. It was clear the name Cash Mountain had to go. “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” seemed a much more appealing title, inspired by a Cole Porter song from the movie High Society released in 1956.
I agreed to move forward with the show, contingent on the creation of a non-broadcast pilot initially. The game’s format didn’t have a definitive end—it continuously cycled through contestants who would either win or lose, lacking a climactic finish. To build suspense and viewer engagement, I decided it would air nightly. Originally, I considered a 7pm slot, but with Emmerdale performing well at that time, I opted for an 8pm slot, hoping the high-stakes nature of the game would captivate a prime-time audience.
The strategy was successful beyond expectations. The show quickly became a sensational hit, sparking conversations and escalating viewership, eventually gaining international attention as countries around the world sought to create their own versions of the show.
Chris Tarrant, Host (1998–2014)
While I was busy juggling my morning show at Capital Radio and my television series, Tarrant on TV, my former radio producer, David Briggs, approached me with an idea to adapt our radio game show Double or Quits for television. Despite my hectic schedule, I agreed to host the pilot as a favor to him.
We filmed the initial pilot in July, but the producer, Paul Smith, felt it lacked a certain ominous tension. Consequently, composers Keith Strachan and his son Matthew were tasked with revamping the show’s music within 24 hours to enhance the suspense. We aimed for rapid escalation in prize money to keep viewers hooked, knowing no one would pause their evening for a small cash prize. Adding dramatic pauses before revealing answers, especially right before commercial breaks, became a signature method to heighten the suspense.
The tension was palpable when the first contestant neared the million-pound question. I remember debating whether to cut to a commercial but went ahead, earning a sharp look from the contestant, Judith Keppel. Despite concerns from some quarters that winning large sums could negatively impact winners, the reality proved otherwise, with no major adverse effects reported.
Before the show’s debut, I took a moment alone in my dressing room to center myself, sensing the show’s potential impact and significance.
Jeremy Clarkson, Host (2018-present)
After The Grand Tour adjusted its schedule, I found myself with more free time. Wayne Garvie, a former colleague from the BBC and then-president of Sony Pictures Television, realized he had the rights to Millionaire and suggested I host it. I agreed immediately and soon practiced the game on a laptop before mastering the Autocue in a Manchester TV studio, albeit with the new challenge of needing glasses to see it properly.
While I didn’t feel the need to imprint my personality heavily on the show, respecting Chris Tarrant’s legacy, I did introduce the “Ask the Host” lifeline. Despite my broad knowledge, questions would sometimes stump me, making me feel foolish. The only contestant to win the million under my tenure was Donald Fear, who impressively answered a question about pirates, a topic I had recently covered but couldn’t recall during the show.
Today, despite needing hearing aids, I avoid wearing them on the show to prevent any suspicions of cheating. It’s fascinating how technology could, theoretically, assist in answering questions, though strict oversight prevents any unfair advantages. Reflecting on the infamous cheating scandal, it’s astounding it wasn’t caught sooner. Hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? remains a joy, and I always look forward to making someone’s day with big wins and challenging questions.
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
