A 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' contestant has scooped the £1 million jackpot for the first time in 14 years.

Jeremy Clarkson

Jeremy Clarkson

Host Jeremy Clarkson admitted he was "in awe" of the lucky individual, who has not been named, after they won the £1 million prize on a pre-recorded episode of the show's new series - which will start broadcasting next month - and he claims they are "probably the best" contestant in the show's 22-year history.

He said: "Well, I'm absolutely thrilled and delighted that we've found someone who seems to know just about everything.

"I can't wait for the viewers to see it and I want to watch it back too.

"I was just in awe of this contestant and think they are probably the best the show has ever had in its 22-year history. It was a joy to sit and watch it unfold."

Jeremy - who took over hosting duties of the quiz show from original presenter Chris Tarrant in 2018 - felt "a little emotional" when he had to utter the words "you've just won £1 million", because he didn't think he would ever get the chance to do so.

He explained: "It felt like we whizzed through the questions.

"All of a sudden, confetti was falling from the ceiling and I was saying, 'You've just won £1 million.'

"I wasn't sure I'd ever get to utter those immortal words. It was a little emotional - but, boy, did it feel good."

The winner has become the first contestant to scoop the jackpot since Ingram Wilcox, 76, in 2006.

Four others have also won £1 million prize, Judith Keppel (2000), David Edwards (2001), Robert Brydges (2001), and Pat Gibson (2004).

The episode, which will broadcast next month, was filmed without a studio audience due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Because of this, contestants are given two chances to Phone a Friend rather than the Ask the Audience lifeline.


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