BBC News | ENTERTAINMENT | Taxman scoops a million

BBC News Online: Entertainment

Sunday, 21 November, 1999, 03:47 GMT

Taxman scoops a million

An American tax office worker has won the largest one-off game show prize in the history of American television - $1 million.

It just seemed to be my night
John Carpenter
John Carpenter, 31, became a millionaire by winning the hit television show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

He is the first top prize winner of the quiz which is shown on television in 10 countries. But his triumphant performance will not be screened in the US until Saturday night.

Mr Carpenter from Connecticut says he plans to use his winnings to improve his home and go on holiday with his wife.

No lifelines

During his two appearances on the show, Mr Carpenter correctly answered 14 questions one after the other.

Which of these US presidents appeared on the television series Laugh-In?

A: Lyndon Johnson

B: Richard Nixon

C: Jimmy Carter

D: Gerald Ford Then came the final question ...

The answer was ... Richard Nixon, and Mr Carpenter knew it.

And he hit the jackpot without using any of his three "lifelines" - ask the audience, phone a friend or 50-50.

Quizzed by reporters outside his home in Hamden, Mr Carpenter said: "How do you think I feel? Pretty good ..."

Global smash

The TV show, which originated in Britain, has been a massive international success.

In Britain it has achieved ratings of 18 million viewers.

Rights for copying the show have been sold to broadcasters in the US, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Poland, Russia and Australia.

The US television network ABC bought the show and was rewarded with huge ratings for its first run in August.

The US show is presented by TV veteran Regis Philbin, while the UK version is fronted by broadcaster Chris Tarrant.

The highest amount won in the UK was earlier this year when father-of-four Jonathan Green, won Ł250,000 after correctly answering 13 multiple-choice questions.

Related to this story:
Who wants a UK quiz show? (26 Aug 99 | Entertainment)
ITV's millionaire windfall (05 Jan 99 | Entertainment)
TV Tarrant in the spotlight (31 May 99 | Entertainment)
ITV ratings soar with new schedule (15 Mar 99 | Entertainment)
Dinosaur saga is monster hit (05 Oct 99 | Entertainment)
Quiz 'winner' waits for news (09 Mar 99 | Entertainment)

Internet Links: The UK Game Show Page Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? (ITV) Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (ABC)
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