Television fans across the UK are in for a treat tonight, as a wave of new and returning shows light up the prime-time schedule. At the forefront is the much-anticipated—and already controversial—spin-off of the classic quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, aptly titled Millionaire Hot Seat. Set to premiere at 7:30 PM on ITV1 on January 6, 2026, this new iteration injects urgency and a fresh twist into the beloved franchise, promising an evening packed with excitement and high-stakes drama.
According to el-balad, Millionaire Hot Seat brings together six contestants, each vying for a chance to claim the coveted top prize. But there’s a catch: every question must be answered within a nail-biting 15 seconds. The pressure is on, and there’s simply no room for hesitation. Contestants are seated in the eponymous “hot seat,” and as the seconds tick away, the tension in the studio is palpable. This rapid-fire format is a marked departure from the more measured pace of the original show, and fans can expect a very different viewing experience.
Guiding viewers through this adrenaline-fueled contest is none other than Jeremy Clarkson, who returns as host. His trademark wit and energetic style are set to elevate the show’s intensity. As The Guardian notes, Clarkson will be on hand to explain the game’s more specific rules as the action unfolds, ensuring both contestants and audiences are kept on their toes. Hollie Richardson of The Guardian describes the show as “a not entirely necessary fast-paced spin-off of the famous quiz show,” but there’s no denying that the new format is designed to keep both participants and viewers glued to their seats.
Why the controversy, you might ask? For some, the original Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is a television institution, and any major change to its formula is bound to elicit strong opinions. The new, accelerated pace and the high-pressure environment have sparked debate among fans and critics alike. Some see it as a bold evolution; others wonder if the classic show’s charm might be lost in the rush. Still, for those craving something different, Millionaire Hot Seat looks set to deliver.
Of course, Millionaire Hot Seat isn’t the only show making waves tonight. The TV landscape is crowded with compelling options across every genre. Over on BBC Two at 7 PM, food lovers can catch Rick Stein’s Australia, a series that delves into the celebrated chef’s deep personal connection to the country. As The Guardian details, Stein moved to Australia at 19, following the death of his father, and worked in an abattoir before launching a trio of successful restaurants. This new series promises a heartfelt road trip through Australia’s culinary landscape, blending food, travel, and personal reflection in equal measure.
For those curious about the science behind everyday delights, Inside the Factory airs at 8 PM on BBC One. Cherry Healey takes viewers inside Burton’s biscuit factory in Wales to investigate one of Britain’s favorite rituals: dunking biscuits in tea. Which biscuit holds up best? According to The Guardian, one variety can withstand up to 100 dunks—a statistic sure to spark debates at tea tables across the nation. Meanwhile, Paddy McGuinness gets a hands-on lesson in the art of making Jammie Dodgers, adding a dash of humor to the proceedings.
Channel 4 is also joining the conversation on healthy eating with What Not to Eat, airing at 8 PM. The four-part series, led by Professor Tim Spector and GP Dr. Kandi Ejiofor, tackles the rise of ultra-processed foods and their impact on public health. The first episode zeroes in on the ubiquitous instant noodle, exploring practical strategies for making healthier choices amid a culture increasingly focused on convenience (and, as noted by The Guardian, the growing popularity of weight-loss interventions).
Drama lovers can tune in to BBC One at 9 PM for the return of Waterloo Road. The Manchester-based school drama kicks off a “new term, new era,” with Jon Richardson reprising his role as Darius Donovan, one of three new deputy heads. The show doesn’t shy away from controversy, either: Donovan’s slogan, “Waterloo Road is listening,” has met with skepticism, and his plan to reintegrate excluded pupils is already causing chaos. As Ali Catterall of The Guardian puts it, the school “makes Grange Hill look like a Swiss finishing school.”
True crime aficionados won’t want to miss Catching a Killer at 9 PM on Channel 4. This documentary follows DCI Louise Metcalfe as she investigates the 2024 murder of Cumali Turhan, who was killed by a single knife wound in a Chelmsford bar before his body went missing. The program offers a gripping, months-long account of the search for Turhan’s mutilated remains, as detailed by Alexi Duggins in The Guardian.
And let’s not forget sports fans: the Premier League showdown between West Ham and Nottingham Forest kicks off at 7:30 PM on Sky Sports Main Event. With both teams hungry for points, the match is sure to be a highlight for football enthusiasts. According to The Guardian, this fixture is part of a full slate of matches continuing throughout the week, ensuring there’s no shortage of action for supporters.
With such a diverse lineup, tonight’s television schedule reflects the breadth and vibrancy of UK broadcasting. Whether viewers are seeking the adrenaline rush of Millionaire Hot Seat, the culinary wanderings of Rick Stein, the scientific curiosity of Cherry Healey, or the high drama of Waterloo Road, there’s truly something for everyone.
As the evening unfolds, all eyes will be on ITV1 to see if Millionaire Hot Seat lives up to the buzz—and whether Jeremy Clarkson’s rapid-fire hosting can win over skeptics and fans alike. For now, the stage is set for a memorable night of television, one that just might change the way we think about quiz shows forever.