Some fans of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire were left disgruntled on Sunday night, with a few claiming there was ‘no point in watching’ the initial part of the show.
The popular ITV quiz show returned with Jeremy Clarkson at the helm, as hopeful contestants vied for a chance to win big. As per usual, they had access to lifelines such as Ask the Audience, Phone a Friend, and 50-50 when faced with tough questions.
Now in its 41st series, the show first aired in 1998 with Chris Tarrant as host until 2014. After a four-year hiatus, it made a comeback in 2018 with Jeremy Clarkson presenting the refreshed ITV1 programme.
In the latest episode broadcast on Sunday (March 16), bus driver Jack Soley was in the spotlight first. Despite being one of only two contestants to get the opening question right, he did so in the quickest time.
But as Jack began his journey through the questions, viewers expressed frustration over his pace, suggesting he was taking too long and labelling him as ‘waffling’. The audience’s annoyance spilled onto social media, with one viewer commenting on X: “Why do people faff on answering the £100-£1000 questions? Just answer the question and get on with it!”, reports the Mirror.
Viewers haven’t held back their reactions with one less than impressed fan commenting on Jack’s strategy: “I was thinking Taylor Swift when the question came up, I don’t know why… BECAUSE THAT’S THE BLOODY ANSWER!”.
Another viewer jokingly critiqued Jack’s expressive demeanor during the game: “This guy has got one million ways of screwing his face up and he’s going through every one.”
A Twitter user offered a tip to potential viewers, remarking: “No point watching the first 10 minutes of the episode.”
Jack managed to secure his second safety net at £64,000, still having two lifelines to spare, despite facing difficulty with a UK driving test question. However, he hit a stumbling block on a historical question: ‘Which of these cities was once the capital of the Inca empire?
‘ With options A – Cartagena, B – Cuzco, C – Salvador, D – Guatemala City, he used his remaining lifelines and chose B – Cuzco, which was indeed the right answer, ensuring him £64,000.
Having correctly identified a piece of classical music featured in both Barbie and 2001, Jack contemplated whether to cash out with £125,000. As the game progressed, viewers started to appreciate his approach, with one cheering him on: “You go Jack really pleased for him.”
Another also expressed support: “Fair play, a relatively young player with decent knowledge and not risk averse.” Viewers quickly expressed support the bus driver, with one comment reading: “Tough gig bus driver glad he’s taking home a big win.”
Another enthusiast shared: “Go on son! Took some risks and on at least 100k!”
Jack surely had the last chuckle as he not only provided an entertaining spectacle for the audience but also cashed in a massive £250,000.
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire continues next Sunday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.