Jeremy Clarkson has spoken in more detail about his latest television project, confirming that a brand new quiz show will arrive on ITV in 2026.
The broadcaster, best known for his long-running roles on Top Gear, The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm, has been a familiar face on ITV since taking over hosting duties on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? in 2018. Clarkson replaced long-time presenter Chris Tarrant, bringing a different tone to the iconic programme while maintaining its core appeal.
Now, Clarkson is set to front a new spin-off series titled Millionaire Hot Seat, which will air on ITV early next year. The show will run for 18 episodes and is designed as a faster, more competitive take on the Millionaire format. The concept has already proven successful overseas, having aired in Australia since 2009, where it has completed 15 well-rated series.
Speaking ahead of the programme’s UK launch, Clarkson described the format in characteristically blunt terms. “It’s a very expensive game of musical chairs,” he said. “You can be the most brilliant player and go home with nothing, or you can be useless and go home with the prize. I love watching how human nature works and whether people land their fellow contestants in trouble or not.”
The format places six contestants in direct competition with one another, rather than isolating players one at a time. Participants queue for a single “hot seat”, where they face Clarkson and attempt to answer questions under time pressure. Each correct answer allows the contestant to climb the Million Pound Money Ladder, while an incorrect answer immediately removes them from the game and reduces the maximum prize available.
Unlike the traditional format, contestants are also allowed to pass on a question. However, doing so sends them to the back of the queue with no guarantee of returning to the hot seat. The unanswered question is then passed to the next player, who must answer correctly in order to remain in the game, adding a strategic and psychological element to each decision.
ITV has positioned Millionaire Hot Seat as a more intense and unpredictable alternative to the original series, placing greater emphasis on speed, tactics and interpersonal dynamics. With Clarkson’s established presence on the channel and the enduring popularity of the Millionaire brand, the broadcaster will be hoping the spin-off can replicate the success it has already enjoyed abroad when it launches in 2026.
