ITV axes Millionaire after 15 years

UK broadcaster ITV is to axe long-running quizshow Who Wants to be a Millionaire? following Chris Tarrant’s announcement that he is to step down as host.

The groundbreaking quiz, which launched in 1998, was the first in the UK to offer viewers a chance to win £1m prize, even if it was rarely achieved, and became a major hit around the world. It also inspired the 2008 Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire.

The show, produced by Sony Pictures Television-owned Victory Television, has enjoyed a revival over the last 12 months. In recent years it was limited to fundraising celebrity specials but this year ITV ordered the first non-celebrity series since 2010.

However, an ITV spokeswoman told C21: “We are not planning any further special episodes of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? beyond the remaining programmes that are still to come on ITV.”

Announcing his departure in a statement, Tarrant said it was “time to take a break” and he had reached a point where he wanted to call it a day.

“It’s been a huge part of my life for 15 years and I’ve loved every minute of it, but it is time for me to move on from Who Wants to be a Millionaire?,” the 67-year-old said.

“It’s been the most remarkable journey and I consider myself very fortunate to have been associated with Millionaire from its inception. ITV have been fantastic in their support from day one and to see its huge success has been thrilling.”

The quiz returned to UK screens in July, with ITV committing to seven new episodes of the show and adding a play-along second-screen element.