Could You Win £1 Million? Jeremy Clarkson Issues Nationwide Search for New 'Millionaire' Contestants
ITV is casting for brand-new episodes of both Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and its fast-paced spin-off Millionaire Hot Seat. Here is how you can step up to face Britain’s most blunt quizmaster.
ITV is casting for brand-new episodes of both Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and its fast-paced spin-off Millionaire Hot Seat. Here is how you can step up to face Britain’s most blunt quizmaster.
Since taking over the helm of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Jeremy Clarkson has firmly stamped his mark on the legendary quiz show. Under his tenure, the ITV hit has enjoyed a massive resurgence, pulling in millions of viewers and delivering unforgettable television.
In 2020, history teacher Donald Fear famously blew past all 15 questions in just under 20 minutes—using only a single lifeline—to become the show’s first £1 million jackpot winner in 14 years. Following that landmark victory and the successful launch of the high-octane spin-off Millionaire Hot Seat, producers are officially hunting for the next batch of sharp minds brave enough to take on the chair.
Whether you prefer the steady, methodical drama of the classic format or the fast-thinking pressure of the new spin-off, two distinct opportunities are now open for applicants.
Option 1: Millionaire Hot Seat – Fast-Paced & Against the Clock
For players who thrive under intense time pressure, Millionaire Hot Seat turns up the heat.
Unlike the traditional show, each episode brings six contestants into the arena to compete for the ultimate £1 million jackpot. Players take turns sitting opposite Clarkson to answer multiple-choice questions and climb the Money Ladder. However, there is a catch: every question is strictly timed.
The Rules: Get a question right, and you stay in the Hot Seat to keep climbing. Make a mistake, and you are immediately eliminated—which automatically reduces the overall top prize fund and passes the seat to the next player.
The Goal: Only one player will be sitting in the seat for the final question with a shot at walking away with £1 million.
Casting Details
Audition & Casting Period: Monday, 15th June 2026 – Friday, 6th November 2026
Application Closing Date: Friday, 16th October 2026
Age Requirement: 18 years or over
Apply now at itv.com/beontv
Option 2: Classic Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? – The Ultimate 15-Question Test
If you prefer having time to think, deliberate with your lifelines, and face Clarkson head-on in the iconic single-player setup, the flagship series is also seeking new contestants.
Fifteen correct multiple-choice questions stand between a contender and a life-changing sum of money. With the classic lifelines at your disposal and Clarkson holding the answer key, it remains one of the ultimate tests of nerve and trivia in broadcasting history.
Casting Details
Audition & Casting Period: Monday, 13th July 2026 – Friday, 30th October 2026
Application Closing Date: Friday, 16th October 2026
Age Requirement: 18 years or over
How to Apply
Producers are searching for people from all walks of life who have general knowledge prowess, quick decision-making skills, and a strong sense of composure under pressure.
If you think you have what it takes to survive Clarkson’s dry wit and climb the Money Ladder all the way to £1 million, applications for both shows are now open online. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline on Friday, 16th October 2026.
Go to itv.com/beontv
Who Wants to be a Millionaire? in the US
Sadly in America, only celebrities are permitted on the show… but you can still apply to be in the studio audience.
To get free studio audience tickets for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire in the US when tapings are active, you can check availability and sign up through On Camera Audiences, which handles audience reservations for the show.
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