Wants To Be A Millionaire - Who

Major Charles Ingram won the £1 million jackpot in the UK version, but the story took a dark turn when producers suspected foul play.

The most famous "stories" from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire range from historic victories to a notorious cheating scandal that captivated the world. The Legendary Win: John Carpenter (1999)

This Millionaire finally got caught // The Charles Ingram story Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

: On the $1 million question, he used his "Phone-a-Friend" to call his father, but not for help.

: Producers reviewed footage and heard rhythmic coughing from an accomplice in the audience, Tecwen Whittock, whenever Ingram read out the correct answer among the choices. Major Charles Ingram won the £1 million jackpot

John Carpenter became a cultural icon as the first person to win the $1 million top prize in the U.S. version. His win is celebrated for its sheer confidence; he reached the final question without using a single lifeline.

: He correctly identified that Richard Nixon was the U.S. President who appeared on the sketch comedy show Laugh-In . The Cheating Scandal: Charles Ingram (2001) : Producers reviewed footage and heard rhythmic coughing

: Ingram's win was rescinded. He, his wife Diana, and Whittock were found guilty of deception in court and received suspended sentences. The Recent Jackpot: Roman Dubowski (April 2026)