OPINION: It feels as if ITV bosses are ignoring the elephant within the room.
Jeremy Clarkson grew to become the ITV present’s host in 2018 (Picture: ITV)
Who Desires To Be A Millionaire has returned to screens for an all-new sequence hosted by Jeremy Clarkson – however there’s one main drawback with the programme as we method the center of 2026. When the ITV programme launched in 1998, hosted by Chris Tarrant, the prize cash was astounding.
Whereas no person can deny that £1 million continues to be a life-changing amount of cash all these years later, the determine has actually not stored up with UK inflation. Based on the newest knowledge, £1 million in 1998 had the identical buying energy as round £2.5 million right this moment. So why haven’t ITV bosses boosted the determine to not less than £2 million? The present’s title wouldn’t must be modified, as it could nonetheless apply with the upper quantity provided.
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Jeremy Clarkson has not too long ago returned to the internet hosting seat (Picture: ITV)
Suppose how a lot additional the jackpot would stretch for the profitable contestant if £2 million have been provided as a substitute of £2.5 million.
When the present began nearly 30 years in the past, £1 million may purchase somebody 13 common houses within the UK. At the moment, that will get you three to 4 at a push – and for those who stay in central London, you’d be fortunate to get a three-bedroom terrace home with an honest automobile.
With ITV capping the fund to £1 million, producers are primarily providing contestants a 50 per cent low cost on their desires.
One other problem is the drop in viewers. Who Desires To Be A Millionaire peaked in 1999, when a reported 19 million viewers tuned in.
Clarkson revived the programme when he grew to become the host in 2018, however current figures from this March present the viewers has dipped to round 1.8 million for some episodes.
Maybe elevating the prize fund will repay by way of viewing figures, as extra folks might tune in to the programme when the stakes are a lot greater.
If the present is to proceed airing, one thing main wants to alter to maintain viewers coming again and encourage folks to use as contestants.
Who Desires To Be A Millionaire episodes can be found to look at on ITVX.
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