A Drama Based On The Real Life 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' Scam Is Coming To ITV

Helen McCroy and Michael Sheen will lead the all-star cast for ITV's latest drama Quiz, which documents the notorious Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? fix scandal.

The joint ITV and AMC series will explore how Major Charles Ingram, his wife Diana and University lecturer Tecwen Whittock successfully duped the audience, producers and host Chris Tarrant by coughing to cheat their way to winning the jackpot.

The three-part series is written by James Graham and based on his play of the same name while A Very English Scandal filmmaker Stephen Frears will direct.

Other notable stars signing onto the drama include Ripper Street's Matthew Macfadyen who will play Major Charles Ingram, and Fleabag actress Sian Clifford will play Ingram's wife Diana.

Good Omens' Michael Sheen will transform into broadcaster Chris Tarrant and Peaky Blinders star Helen McCrory will portray Sonia Woodley QC.

Michael Bonnar will also appear in the series as Celador Television Chairman Paul Smith, while Michael Jibson and Irish comedienne Aisling Bea play accomplice Tecwen Whittock and ITV Entertainment Commissioner, Claudia Rosencrantz.

Speaking of the new show, writer James Craham said in a statement: "I was gripped by this story over 15 years ago, and I'm still gripped now. It's a very English heist.

"Putting it onto stage at Chichester and the West End was such a lot of fun, and with a new team we now get to re-imagine the whole story afresh for television.

"I have to pay credit to the late investigative journalist Bob Woffinden, who along with James Plaskett wrote the book Bad Show that kicked the whole creative process off by asking the question - what if the Major is innocent?"

In 2003, the Ingrams were found guilty of "procuring the execution of a valuable security by deception" and given two years suspended sentences.

Following the furore, they were asked to pay a total of £115,000 including legal fees.

No release date has yet been given but we already know it'll be one to watch.

Featured Image Credit: ITV

Topics: TV News, TV Entertainment, ITV

Lisa McLoughlin

Lisa is a freelance journalist working for Tyla and the team's token Dubliner. After graduating with a MA in PR and Digital Marketing from D.I.T., she worked for MailOnline, Sun Online, Irish Independent and broadcaster RTÉ. Got a story of interest or want advice on how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness? Then email her at [email protected].

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