Stellify Media, the Sony Pictures Television joint venture and Belfast-based indie, has won a bumper order from ITV across its Millionaire franchise, including the UK debut of Millionaire Hot Seat and an extended run of Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Celebrity Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
The new order includes 18 x 30 episodes of Millionaire Hot Seat, a “fast-paced” version of the global Millionaire format, hosted by Jeremy Clarkson. Hot Seat requires players to think tactically and answer under pressure as they compete against the clock, and each other. Millionaire Hot Seat has been a long-running ratings success in Australia with over 2,500 episodes aired. Filming for the UK version is set to begin this November, with a UK launch slated for 2026.
In addition, ITV has commissioned 19 x 60 episodes of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, including 7 celebrity specials, continuing the show’s successful run on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning ITV said: “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire has reached 18 million viewers on ITV so far this year alone. 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 Stellify Media, said: “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.”
Millionaire Hot Seat has been commissioned by Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning ITV and Kevin O’Brien, Entertainment Commissioning Editor ITV, alongside David Smyth, Entertainment Commissioning Editor ITV. The Executive Producer is Kerri Reid and the Series Producer is Kirsty Proffitt.
Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Celebrity Who Wants to be a Millionaire have also been commissioned by Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning ITV and Kevin O’Brien, Entertainment Commissioning Editor ITV. The Executive Producer is Kerri Reid and the Series Producer is Mike McClaine.
The shows are filmed at dock10 Studios.
Jon Creamer
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