ITV1 commits to Millionaire until 2009

ITV1 has ordered a new series of long-running hit Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, keeping the international quiz show in its primetime schedule until at least spring 2009.

The new deal with producer 2waytraffic comprises at least 25 x 60-minute episodes of the Chris Tarrant-hosted show, which recently underwent a tweak in its format by introducing a faster route to the £1m jackpot. Contestants now need to answer 12 questions rather than 15 to win the top prize.

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? premiered on ITV1 in September 1998 and has been an integral part of the broadcaster's schedule since. It is currently in its 22nd series.

The re-commission follows the recent launch of 2waytraffic's first ever Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? spin-off 50-50.

The format is an extension of the main show's 50-50 lifeline element in that it features contestants playing in pairs and making a straight choice between two possible answers.

The format has already been acquired by broadcasters and producers in Australia, Italy, Greece and Japan.

Source: Broadcast Now