Jeremy Clarkson, the well-known TV presenter, has confirmed he will return as the host of the iconic quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? along with its spin-off, Millionaire Hot Seat. Clarkson, 66, recently revealed he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, which was detected early during the filming of his reality series Clarkson’s Farm.
Speaking in an interview with The Sunday Times, Clarkson shared that a PSA test two months prior showed no signs of cancer, and he is currently in remission. ITV announced on Monday that Millionaire Hot Seat, which debuted earlier this year, has been recommissioned for 20 more episodes with Clarkson returning as host.
The format of Millionaire Hot Seat features contestants answering questions while seated in a queue leading to the “hot seat,” facing Clarkson. Contestants aim to climb the money ladder by correctly answering questions; a wrong answer eliminates the player and lowers the top prize. Players can pass a question to move to the back of the queue, but this strategy carries the risk of missing the chance to win the grand prize.
In addition to Millionaire Hot Seat, Clarkson will also host 15 more episodes of the flagship Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? The quiz show recently saw a retired IT analyst become the seventh person to win the £1 million jackpot.
Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s director of entertainment, reality, and daytime commissioning, praised the success of the franchise. “The Millionaire brand continues to deliver for ITV audiences, and Millionaire Hot Seat has brought an exciting new energy to the format. Combining Jeremy Clarkson’s unique hosting style with high-pressure gameplay has proven to be a winning formula. We’re excited to bring back both Millionaire Hot Seat and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? for more episodes.”
Filming for the upcoming episodes of both shows is scheduled for later this year, with broadcasts expected on ITV and ITVX.