The Secret Millionaire

Lockdown contestant wins jackpot with only TV crew for audience

- Nicola Methven

Who Wants to be a Millionaire? has hailed the “greatest jackpot winner” in its 22-year history.

The contestant, believed to be male, managed the feat in record time, without using all the available lifelines.

They become the sixth UK jackpot winner – and the first in 14 years.

ITV bosses are not revealing the player’s identity but say viewers will be blown away by the performance.

Host Jeremy Clarkson said having his first millionaire winner filmed during lockdown with no audience had been “emotional”.

The show was recorded last month under strict social distancing with only contestants, the production team and the presenter in the studio.

Because players lost one of their three lifelines by being unable to ask the audience they were instead given two opportunities to phone a friend.

Clarkson, 60, said. “I’m thrilled and delighted we’ve found someone who seems to know just about everything.