Fred Sirieix won £64k for his chosen charity (Image: No credit)
Former Top Gear host has set the record straight after he received backlash from fans watching the Who Wants to be a Millionaire Celebrity Special with First Dates host and celebrity maître d’hôtel . Fred, 53, had the chance to win £1million for his chosen but nearly won nothing when he got stuck on the very first question.
The first, and supposedly the easiest, question was “Which of these is a method for staying afloat in a swimming pool? Treading water, drinking water, boiling water or passing water?” Clarkson asked. The First Dates presenter was clearly struggling as he began to mutter the words “treading water” and “passing water” to himself several times.
He eventually decided to use his 50/50 lifeline on the question, but even that wasn’t much help as the two answers it eliminated still left him unsure on the answer. Jeremy was beginning to worry it could all be over for Fred before it really began saying: “Ah. Do you know what, I’m going to put you out of MY misery.”
Jeremy then decided to give Fred a helping hand, but not before trying to distract the film crew. Jeremy said: “Treading water is that, as you rightly say,” he said mimicking the action. The huge hint worked a treat as Fred answered correctly and in fact went on to earn a total of £64,000 for his chosen charity The Right Course – which helps prisoners build a new life in the hospitality industry.
Jeremy ‘s fans were divided by his antics on the game show (Image: Getty)
But fans watching the ITV gameshow at home were quick to judge Jeremy for helping Fred, with on X user writing: ” Is that allowed @JeremyClarkson is giving away the answer on #Millionaire” To which Jeremy responded: “Not really. But it was for charity and it was low down the ladder.
Responding to his comment, fans rushed to Clarkson’s defence with one saying: ” I agree hats off to you Jeremy was a lovely thing to do as Fred was struggling with English terminology.”
Many viewers were shocked Fred didn’t know the answer to the £100 question, saying: “Can’t believe you didn’t know £100 question , how much time do you spend at swimming pools.” Another said: “Fred your daughter spends half her life in the swimming pool …!!!”
Fred took to X himself to say: “Thanks so much for having me. The money will make a big difference in our quest to train, educate and upskill offenders in one of our training restaurants.”
Congratulations winning £64,000 for ??????????????????
— Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? (@MillionaireUK)
Last year, due to a “sudden deterioration” in his wellness, which doctors warned could have given him “maybe” just days left. The ex-Top Gear luminary detailed feeling extraordinarily weak during a holiday – struggling immensely just to swim or ascend stairs.
Once back in Britain, unsettling sensations in his arm and a “tightness” across his chest whilst toiling on his Cotswolds farm prompted swift medical intervention to unclog his arteries. Since his health scare he has taken up a new hobby as he tries to keep his health in tip-top shape after issues with his heart.
The star confessed he’s “desperate not to die” as he’s determined to cherish more moments with his granddaughters, after undergoing last year. Writing for The Sunday Times, Jeremy shared: “I’m not going to dwell on the joys of being a grandparent because what can be said about it has already been said.
“But I have decided it’s so wonderful I want it to go on for as long as is humanly possible. Which means I must do everything in my power to not die. (But) I dislike discomfort, loathe bicycles and find gyms and everyone in them weird. I decided I’d give Pilates a bash.”