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