Jeremy Clarkson will host a “cheeky” new spin-off of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? amid major issues with his Cotswolds farm.
The former Top Gear host, 65, revealed last week that he’s experiencing his “worst year ever” running his 1,000 acre Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire due to drought and heatwaves.
He also previously complained that his nearby pub, The Farmer’s Dog, is barely turning a profit since he opened it last summer.
And it seems the presenter is eager to get back to TV, as he has been named the host of the new spin-off Millionaire Hot Seat, as well an extended run of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and Celebrity Who Wants to be a Millionaire?
Millionaire Hot Seat will feature 18 episodes in a fast-paced version of the original format, pitting players against each other in a race against the clock.
ITV bosses said the new game is Millionaire’s “cheeky” younger sibling which gives viewers “more Jeremy” and “more money-ladder moments”.
In Millionaire Hot Seat, six players will compete against the clock and each another as they answer questions in a bid to win a big cash prize.
Contestants will queue for the Hot Seat, with one person facing Clarkson at a time and answering questions on the Million Pound Money Ladder.
They can climb up the ladder if they give a correct answer, although wrong answers will kick them out of the game and decrease the top prize.
If a player passes on a question, they stay in the game and go to the back of the line for the Hot Seat - although they aren't promised another turn.
The skipped question is then given to the next player who must answer it correctly to stay.
In another ruthless twist, only the top prize left on the ladder can be won and the participant answering the question must get it right to take it home.
Millionaire Hot Seat will hit UK screens in 2026, with filming beginning in November.
The show has already proved to be popular in Australia with over 2,500 episodes aired.
ITV has also commissioned 19 more episodes of the original Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? including seven celebrity specials.
“Who Wants To Be A Millionaire has reached 18 million viewers on ITV so far this year alone,” ITV boss Katie Rawcliffe said.
“Commissioning a new spin off format to further capitalise on the brand's success and popularity was a no brainer, especially with Millionaire Hot Seat already doing so well in other territories also.”
Matthew Worthy, co-CEO of Stellify Media, the company producing the show, added: “It is an honour to produce Millionaire for ITV.
“Millionaire Hot Seat is the main show's cheeky younger sibling, and gives us more Jeremy, enjoying more money-ladder moments - but with a whole new tone, pace, and feel.”
