Who Wants to Be a Millionaire 2026: Return & Schedule
For anyone who grew up hearing the tension of “Is that your final answer?” the return of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in 2026 brings a mix of nostalgia and new questions. The UK version, revived with Jeremy Clarkson as host, is back on ITV with a full series and a fresh spin-off, while the US edition remains off the air. Here’s what’s confirmed, what’s still unclear, and what viewers can expect.
Original UK debut: 1998 ·
Current UK host: Jeremy Clarkson ·
Next UK series: April 2026 ·
Countries with local versions: over 160 ·
Top prize (UK): £1,000,000
Quick snapshot
- Jeremy Clarkson hosts the UK revival since 2018 (BBC News)
- ITV has confirmed a 2026 UK series, its 36th, starting April 2026 (ITV Press Centre)
- A new spin-off Millionaire Hot Seat with Clarkson is also in production (Entertainment Daily)
- The US version has not aired since 2024 and is not in active production (TV Guide)
- Whether the US version will return in any form after 2024
- Exact airdates for all 2026 UK episodes beyond the first few
- Whether the regular series or celebrity specials will be renewed for 2027
- UK celebrity specials air January–February 2026 (ITV Press Centre)
- Main series 36 begins April 2026 (ITV Press Centre)
- Application window for future contestants closes October 2026 (ITVX Be On TV)
- Celebrity specials air on ITV1 from late January 2026 (ITV Press Centre)
- Series 36 premieres in April 2026 on ITV1 and ITVX (ITV Press Centre)
- Spin-off Millionaire Hot Seat expected later in 2026 (Entertainment Daily)
Six key facts that define the current state of the franchise:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original UK airdate | 1998 |
| Current UK host | Jeremy Clarkson (2018–present) |
| Last UK series | Spring 2025 (ITV) – series 35 |
| Next UK series | Series 36, April 2026 |
| US version status | Off air since 2024 |
| US highest earner | John Carpenter ($1 million in 1999) |
Is Who Wants to Be a Millionaire returning in 2026?
Yes, but with important caveats. The UK version is confirmed to return for its 36th series, starting in April 2026, as announced by ITV (the UK’s commercial broadcaster). Additionally, celebrity specials are scheduled for January–February 2026, and a spin-off series called Millionaire Hot Seat is also in production, hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, according to Entertainment Daily. The US version, however, remains on hiatus after its last celebrity series aired in 2024, and no return has been announced.
What is the official status of the UK series?
ITV’s press centre confirms that the show returns “later in April 2026 for its 36th series.” The network has also released a schedule for celebrity specials that air during Week 05 and Week 06 2026, starting January 31. ITV (the UK’s commercial broadcaster) lists five episodes in that block. The main series will follow in the spring.
Has ITV announced a 2026 series?
Yes, ITV has formally announced the 2026 series. The contestant application page on ITVX Be On TV states that the show returns to ITV later in April 2026, with applications closing on Friday 16 October 2026. The audition period runs from 13 July 2026 to 30 October 2026.
What about the US version?
The US version, which aired its last celebrity season in 2024 on ABC, is not currently in production. There has been no official announcement of a return. The TV Guide schedule listing for 2026 only shows UK episodes.
Who is the current host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2026?
Jeremy Clarkson remains the host of the UK version in 2026. He has been at the helm since the revival began in 2018, replacing Chris Tarrant. BBC News (the UK’s public service broadcaster) reported on the change in 2018. Clarkson will also host the new spin-off Millionaire Hot Seat.
Is Jeremy Clarkson still the host?
Yes. Anglo Celt reported that Clarkson would return as host for another 35 episodes of Millionaire Hot Seat and 15 episodes of the main show. Despite a cancer diagnosis, he is expected to continue.
Who hosted the show before?
- Chris Tarrant hosted the original UK run from 1998 to 2014.
- Dermot O’Leary briefly hosted a short-lived revival in 2014–2015.
- In the US, Regis Philbin (1999–2002), Meredith Vieira (2002–2013), and Jimmy Kimmel (celebrity editions, 2020–2024) have hosted.
Who is in the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire 2026 cast?
No specific cast members have been announced for the 2026 series beyond the host. The show currently features celebrity pairs playing for charity, a format that started with the revival. The ITV Press Centre lists five celebrity specials in early 2026, but the participants are not disclosed in advance.
Will there be celebrity contestants in 2026?
Yes, the celebrity specials are confirmed. The main series, however, is expected to feature regular contestants who apply through the ITVX Be On TV portal. The show’s format requires contestants to answer 15 questions correctly to win the £1 million top prize.
Are there any confirmed participants?
No. ITV does not publicly name contestants ahead of time. The show’s ITVX Watch page describes the format as a game show where contestants compete for a top prize of one million pounds.
What is the schedule for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2026?
ITV has confirmed a multi-phase schedule for 2026. Celebrity specials air in late January/early February, and the main series (series 36) begins in April. ITVX Watch pages show transmissions on Sunday 22 March 2026 at 8 PM and Thursday 16 July 2026 at 9 PM, indicating episodes may air in blocks.
- Celebrity specials: Week 05–06 2026 (starting Jan 31) on ITV1
- Series 36: April 2026 on ITV1
- Additional episodes: March, July 2026 (ITVX listings)
- Spin-off: Millionaire Hot Seat – filming November 2026
Why was Who Wants to Be a Millionaire cancelled?
No version has been permanently cancelled, but several editions have ended due to declining ratings. The original UK series ended its regular run in 2014 after 16 years. The US syndicated version was cancelled in 2019. Both were revived later as celebrity specials. TV Guide notes the US version has not aired since 2024.
Which version was cancelled?
The original UK regular series and the US syndicated version have been cancelled. The UK revival (celebrity format) and the US primetime celebrity series are not cancelled but are on hiatus.
Did ratings drop?
Yes. The original UK series saw viewership decline from peaks of 19 million to under 4 million by 2014. The US syndicated version suffered similar drops. The celebrity revival formats have performed better, but still below the early 2000s highs.
How can I apply for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2026?
Applications for the UK show are open through ITVX Be On TV. The current application window closes on 16 October 2026. Applicants must be 18 or over. The audition period is 13 July to 30 October 2026. For the US version, no applications are being accepted as the show is not in production.
Where can I apply to be a contestant?
For the UK: the official ITV application page. For the US: historically through ABC’s talent site, but currently closed.
Are there any age or residency requirements?
Applicants must be 18 years of age or over. ITV does not specify residency requirements on the application page, but typically contestants must be legally resident in the UK.
Where can I watch new episodes of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
UK episodes air on ITV1 and are available on ITVX (ITV’s streaming service) after broadcast. The ITVX library also holds past series. US episodes from the 2020–2024 celebrity seasons are available on Hulu and ABC.com. No current US episodes are being produced.
- UK: ITV1 (live), ITVX (on-demand)
- US: Hulu, ABC.com (past seasons)
- Other: Some cable VOD platforms
For similar television guides, check out our article on Where to Watch I’m a Celebrity. For more on talk shows, see our guide to The Late Late Show Episode 1.
Timeline
- 1998: UK version debuts on ITV, hosted by Chris Tarrant.
- 1999–2002: US version airs with Regis Philbin, becomes a cultural phenomenon.
- 2001: US special edition with millionaire couple (Eddy and Diana, later cheating discovery).
- 2014: Original UK regular series ends.
- 2018: UK revival as celebrity special, hosted by Jeremy Clarkson (BBC News).
- 2020–2024: US celebrity series with Jimmy Kimmel.
- May 2025: Last UK series (series 35) aired.
- January–April 2026: Celebrity specials and series 36 air (ITV Press Centre).
- 2026 (projected): Spin-off Millionaire Hot Seat expected (Entertainment Daily).
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Jeremy Clarkson is the current UK host (since 2018) (BBC News).
- ITV has confirmed a 2026 UK series (36th) starting April 2026 (ITV Press Centre).
- Celebrity specials will air in January–February 2026 (ITV Press Centre).
- A spin-off Millionaire Hot Seat is in production (Entertainment Daily).
- The US version is not in active production after 2024 (TV Guide).
What’s unclear
- Whether a 2027 UK series will be commissioned.
- If the US version will return in any form.
- Exact airdates for all 2026 episodes beyond the first few.
- Who the celebrity contestants will be in early 2026.
- Whether the spin-off Millionaire Hot Seat will air in 2026 or later.
Quotes
“The show returns to ITV later in April 2026 for its 36th series.”
— ITV Press Centre, official press release
“Jeremy Clarkson will return to the Millionaire host seat after his cancer diagnosis, with 35 episodes of Millionaire Hot Seat and 15 episodes of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”
— Anglo Celt, report on Clarkson’s return
“The studio is a tense environment. Contestants answer 15 questions correctly with lifelines to win the £1 million top prize.”
— ITVX, show description
For UK viewers, the 2026 season is a clear signal that the franchise is alive and expanding. The US version, however, remains in limbo. The choice for fans is simple: tune in to ITV or ITVX for the new episodes, or wait for any American revival that may never come.
itv.com, en.wikipedia.org, itv.com, tvmaze.com, itv.com, itv.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the format of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Contestants answer 15 multiple-choice questions of increasing difficulty, with four lifelines: 50:50, Phone a Friend, Ask the Audience, and Switch the Question (added later). The top prize is £1 million (or $1 million in the US).
How many questions are there in a game?
15 questions. The first five are worth £500–£1,000, the next five £2,000–£32,000, and the final five £64,000–£1,000,000.
What are the lifelines in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
The classic four: 50:50 (removes two wrong answers), Phone a Friend (call a contact for help), Ask the Audience (audience votes), and Switch the Question (replace the current question). Some versions also have Ask the Host.
How much money can a contestant win?
Up to £1 million in the UK, $1 million in the US. Smaller amounts at each milestone, with safety nets at £1,000 and £32,000.
Who was the first million-dollar winner in the US?
John Carpenter, who won $1 million in 1999. He achieved the top prize on the show’s first season.
Are the questions pre-recorded or live?
Questions are pre-recorded and appear on screens. The show is not live but is filmed in one continuous session per contestant.
How long does a typical episode last?
UK episodes are 60 minutes (including ad breaks). US episodes are also 60 minutes in syndication, though celebrity specials may run 90 minutes.
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