Chris Tarrant’s ex-wife hit out at Jeremy Clarkson’s role on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (Image: ITV)
Chris Tarrant’s ex-wife, Ingrid Tarrant had delivered a stinging critique of ’s role as host of the iconic quiz show, The former show-host’s scorned ex didn’t mince words about the ex star, who succeeded her former husband in 2018. She told : “I’ve never even seen Chris on TV since I left. I can’t bear to look at his lying eyes and the insincerity.
“But I have seen Jeremy doing Millionaire and I don’t rate him at all. I don’t think he has successfully taken over the role,” admitting her struggles with Chris following their split 18 years ago after she discovered his alleged long-term affair. Jeremy, who is known for his brash style on , took over the reins of Millionaire when decided to reboot the show for its 20th anniversary.
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Ingrid split form Chris after his alleged long-term affair (Image: Getty)
However, according to Ingrid, who was married to Chris during his celebrated 16-year run from 1998 to 2014, Clarkson falls short in filling Chris’s shoes. The controversy around the host change comes at a time when Chris Tarrant’s legacy on the show is being revisited in a different light.
The upcoming TV drama Quiz will throw back to one of the biggest scandals in television history, which unfolded during Tarrant’s time as host. The series will portray the notorious incident where Major Charles Ingram, his wife Diana, and accomplice Tecwen Whittock cheated their way to the top prize.
The trio was convicted in 2003 of “procuring the execution of a valuable security by deception,” after they manipulated the game with Whittock’s strategic coughing from the audience to signal correct answers. Portraying Chris Tarrant in this gripping recount is actor Michael Sheen, who has undergone a dramatic transformation to embody the veteran presenter.
Sheen’s portrayal, complete with Tarrant’s trademark orange tan and charismatic smile, promises to capture the high stakes and drama that captivated the nation. It comes after Tarrant recently confirmed that he’s decided to retire from television after 50 years.
The beloved broadcaster hosted the show for 16 years (Image: ITV)
The presenter explained that his choice was influenced by the pandemic and its impact on his perspective of time. The 78-year-old explained to the press at the time: “I’ve stopped,” putting an end to his 50-year broadcasting career and confirming his retirement.
He went on: “Lockdown started to get everything in a bit perspective and I thought, I’ve done this thing for 50 years, I don’t need the money, without sounding silly… why am I still doing this?” Despite hosting an Extreme Railways series, Chris declined that he would be interested in another travel show.
He said: “It’s nicer when you’re not being told where to go what to do,” he added. The broadcaster added that he is also not keen on reality TV, even though he was approached to appear on The Masked Singer. Chris confessed: “I actually don’t miss it,” he admits. “I had a great time. I’ve had a brilliant life.”