TV
'Millionaire' to investigate cheat claims
Published Sunday, Mar 18 2007, 11:04 GMT | By Daniel Kilkelly
ITV's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire has been cheated out of millions of pounds, according to a report in the Sunday Mirror today.
The newspaper claims that 50-year-old businessman Keith Burgess has helped more than 200 contestants who have appeared on the show over the years.
As part of the plot, Burgess is said to trawl auditions for other quiz shows and guarantee the most intelligent hopefuls that he can secure them a position on Millionaire. He then makes hundreds of phone calls to the show's hotline in order to win them a place. Contestants are also coached on how to answer "call-back questions" from producers.
Hopefuls assisted by Burgess apparently receive training using 'Fastest Finger First' software, similar to the game which chooses the players each week. Contestants also pick experts employed by Burgess for their 'Phone A Friend' choices, who search the internet to find the correct answer.
In return, the participants helped by Keith give up 50% of their winnings. It is believed that the con has cheated producers out of £5 million.
A spokesperson for the show said: "We take this matter very seriously. Ensuring the show is fair and open is of the utmost concern for us."
The newspaper claims that 50-year-old businessman Keith Burgess has helped more than 200 contestants who have appeared on the show over the years.
As part of the plot, Burgess is said to trawl auditions for other quiz shows and guarantee the most intelligent hopefuls that he can secure them a position on Millionaire. He then makes hundreds of phone calls to the show's hotline in order to win them a place. Contestants are also coached on how to answer "call-back questions" from producers.
Hopefuls assisted by Burgess apparently receive training using 'Fastest Finger First' software, similar to the game which chooses the players each week. Contestants also pick experts employed by Burgess for their 'Phone A Friend' choices, who search the internet to find the correct answer.
In return, the participants helped by Keith give up 50% of their winnings. It is believed that the con has cheated producers out of £5 million.
A spokesperson for the show said: "We take this matter very seriously. Ensuring the show is fair and open is of the utmost concern for us."
More: TV
Tube Talk
'Friday Night Lights': Why watch?Tube Talk explains why you should watch Sky's new show Friday Night Lights.
TV Interviews
'The Bachelor' Blakeley Shea - interviewModel was sent home following a two-on-one date with Ben and Rachel.
Reality Bites
Does Simon Cowell have new SuBo?: VideoWatch a clip of Jonathan Antoine, who is tipped for success on BGT.
TV Ratings
'Dancing on Ice' slips to record lowITV1's Dancing on Ice is dented by BBC One's Call The Midwife and Countryfile.
