ITV viewers have named a contestant’s tactic as somrthing that ‘shouldn’t be allowed’ after they called a Chaser to help with a tricky question while on the latest episode of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire? Celebrity Special, which aired on Sunday (December 29).
Jeremy Clarkson was back at the helm for a special celebrity edition of the popular quiz show, where well-known personalities took to the hot seat in hopes of winning £1 million for their chosen charities.
The lineup included Jools Holland, who played for Prince’s Trust and Caring Hands, followed by comedian Nina Wadia and ex-Rugby Union star Ugo Monye. However, eyebrows were raised when Nina Wadia, struggling with a question about the demolition of a prison following the death of inmate Rudolf Hess, opted to use her phone-a-friend lifeline to call Paul Sinha, a familiar face from ITV’s other quiz show The Chase, reports the Express.
Even host Jeremy Clarkson expressed his surprise, remarking: “From The Chase? Let me get this straight, you’re actually contemplating, shall I ask the audience or should I ask someone from The Chase?” After being presented with the question and four possible answers, Paul Sinha correctly identified option B, Spandau, as the answer.
Social media reactions were swift, with one viewer posting on X: “You can’t ring Paul Sinha, that’s cheating.” Another comment read: “Phoning a chaser on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire that shouldn’t be allowed.” Some fans showed understanding as one commented: “No wonder she’s laughing with a phone a friend called Paul Sinha.”
Nina went home with £32,000 for her chosen charity, JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), after being unable to answer a question on which Shakespeare play gave rise to the expression ‘there’s method in my madness’. The comedy actor, recognised for her roles in Goodness Gracious Me and EastEnders, hesitated between Hamlet or Macbeth. Deciding to ask the audience, who were also divided on these two plays, she ultimately guessed Macbeth. However, the correct answer was indeed Hamlet, and her participation in the game ended.
There’s anticipation for more Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Celebrity specials from ITV, as earlier episodes have showcased a stellar array of celebrities playing for charity. Prior to airing, claims circulated that this special would be “the best season yet”. This announcement arrived shortly after the host of Clarkson’s Farm disclosed his recent health scare, having had emergency heart surgery following a serious illness on holiday.
Writing in the Sunday Times, Jeremy Clarkson shared details of his alarming ordeal, describing how he suddenly couldn’t rise from the breakfast table and questioning if his “limbs were working properly”. Yet, health issues continued to plague Jeremy; he found even simple activities like swimming and walking challenging. After experiencing an alarming “tightening in his chest” upon his return to the UK, an ambulance rapidly ferried him to the hospital.
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Celebrity Special is streaming on ITVX.