‘Coughing Major’ Charles Ingram has revealed he’d be up for giving Who Wants To Be A Millionaire another shot after ITV’s drama Quiz retold the shocking story of his historic appearance.
Everyone has been obsessed with the drama, written by James Graham, and some have been left wondering if he and his wife Diana are actually innocent after they were arrested for cheating on the gameshow.
Westlife’s Brian McFadden was clearly a fan of the show, tweeting: ‘Give him another chance on the show without a randomly picked audience. ‘See how he does. Now that would be quality television!!!! Charles v millionaire. The re-match.’
Charles responded: ‘Throw in an independent adjudicator for questions and it’s game on. Someone suggested doubling the money too…’ The Coughing Major and a £2 million jackpot? Consider us sold.
Throw in an independent adjudicator for questions and itâs game on. Someone suggested doubling the money too…— Charles Ingram (@gallantfive) April 17, 2020
Charles took home the ITV game show’s top prize of £1 million back in 2001, however, both he and his wife Diana were later accused of planting someone in the audience who would cough strategically on the right answer. The couple was found guilty on one single count of procuring the execution of a valuable security by deception. They were given suspended prison sentences of almost two years but they have always claimed innocence of all cheating claims.
However, it might be a little tricky getting Charles back on the show, after the creator of Millionaire said he wanted the Major to ‘admit’ he cheated. David Briggs – who created the original format alongside Mike Whitehill and Peaky Blinders scribe Steven Knight – has spoken out about the infamous case, and lets just say his feelings haven’t mellowed over the time.
Talking to The Sun, Briggs explained: ‘What I’d say to anyone uncertain of their guilt now is simple – go back and watch the programme. ‘I was there in the studio on the night it happened, and the evidence is compelling. I’m very protective of ‘Millionaire’. This is the show that I created. It was my little baby.’
On what he would say to Charles Ingram today, he admitted: ‘If I ever met them in the street, I’d ask them, “If my lips would be sealed for the rest of my life, tell me, Did you do it?” ‘I’d just like to hear him admit it.’
