Update: Since the publication of this story, Nine has removed this program show from its schedule will instead air repeats of Escape to the Chateau. Who Want’s To Be A Millionaire is now expected to air after the football season.
In a surprise move, Nine has decided to air the UK version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire in Australia.
The UK edition of the classic game show is hosted by former Top Gear presenter, Jeremy Clarkson.
Clarkson has fronted the quiz on ITV in the UK since 2018, replacing original host Chris Tarrant. Produced as a series of primetime specials, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire has consistently delivered strong ratings for the broadcaster.
Nine will air the program in Australia on Friday nights in non-NRL states.
The decision to air the UK version in Australia comes at a time when there is renewed interest in the format due to the recent series Quiz, which dramatized the story of a cheating scandal on the show.
The local spin-off, Millionaire Hot Seat hosted by Eddie McGuire has experienced a recent ratings boost in East Coast markets.
The global disruption to television production due to COVID-19 is leading programmers to increasingly look toward game show formats to fill vacant broadcast schedules.
While production of the local Millionaire Hot Seat remains suspended due to Melbourne’s Stage 4 Lockdown, producers in the UK have been able to continue without a studio audience. The traditional “ask the audience” lifeline has been replaced with a second “phone a friend” option.
