ITV ORDERS UK VERSION OF MILLIONAIRE HOT SEAT, HOSTED BY JEREMY CLARKSON

Stellify Media, the Sony Pictures Television joint venture and Belfast-based indie, is celebrating a major commission from ITV, announcing a bumper order across its Millionaire franchise, including the UK debut of Millionaire Hot Seat and an extended run of Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Celebrity Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

The new order includes 18 x 30 episodes of Millionaire Hot Seat, a fast-paced version of the global Millionaire format, hosted by Jeremy Clarkson. Hot Seat requires players to think tactically and answer under pressure as they compete against the clock, and each other. 

Millionaire Hot Seat has been a long-running ratings success in Australia with over 2,500 episodes aired. Filming for the UK version is set to begin this November, with a UK launch slated for 2026.

In addition, ITV has commissioned 19 x 60 episodes of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, including 7 celebrity specials, continuing the show’s successful run on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. 

A twist on the classic Millionaire format, Millionaire Hot Seat sees six contestants vying for a chance to win big — but there's no room for indecision. The rules are simple, but the gameplay is ruthless: Contestants sit in a queue around the titular Hot Seat. Only the person in the Hot Seat can face Jeremy and answer questions on the Million Pound Money Ladder.

Answer correctly to climb the ladder. Answer incorrectly and you're out and the top prize drops. Pass you stay in the game, but go to the back of the line and you might not get another turn. If a passed question goes to the next player, they must answer. Get it right, they stay. Get it wrong, they’re out.

Only the top prize remaining on the ladder can be won.  The player taking on that question must answer it correctly to take home the cash.

Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning ITV said: “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire has reached 18 million viewers on ITV so far this year alone. Commissioning a new spin off format to further capitalise on the brand’s success and popularity was a no brainer, especially with Millionaire Hot Seat already doing so well in other territories also.”

Matthew Worthy, Co-CEO Stellify Media, said: “It is an honour to produce Millionaire for ITV. Millionaire Hot Seat is the main show's cheeky younger sibling, and gives us more Jeremy, enjoying more money-ladder moments - but with a whole new tone, pace, and feel.”

Millionaire Hot Seat has been commissioned by Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning ITV and Kevin O’Brien, Entertainment Commissioning Editor ITV, alongside David Smyth, Entertainment Commissioning Editor ITV. The Executive Producer is Kerri Reid and the Series Producer is Kirsty Proffitt.

Who Wants to be a Millionaire airs on ITV1 and ITVX.