Plaskett and Woffinden's book on the "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" Fraud

[Simon Rogers]

The saddest thing of all, and also an unanswered question in this thread is when are we going to see a chess-themed Who wants to be a millionaire on tv? An example £4000 question could be:

At the 37th chess olypiad in Turin, which English GM started throwing punches on the dance floor? Was it:

A James Plaskett
B Jon Speelman
C Danny Gormally
D Keith Arkell

Perhaps Mark Page could start one.
I thought his Christmas Chess Quiz questions were quite difficult.

[MJMcCready]

I thought that was a brilliant quiz. I'm sure he could. I did make one myself but it needs more work.

[James Plaskett]

On the 5th page of this thread, David Sedgwick comments

I think that their lawyers will advise them not to comment pending the possible appeal. But we shall see.

You ain't wrong, mate!

Documentary-maker after documentary-maker has hit a brick wall when trying to get them to agree to interview.
And the eleventh such outfit is to discuss such a documentary, sans Ingrams. With me. By ZOOM.
Mañana.
Let´s see where this one goes, boys!

[James Plaskett]

The TWELFTH now wants to talk with me!
"And thick and fast..."

[MJMcCready]

Make sure you profitt from your consultation.

[James Plaskett]

You bet!

[James Plaskett]

Channel 4 has no commissioned a two part documentary looking in detail at what went on "behind the scenes" with that show from 1998-2013.
Those involved tell me it´s to air in 2026.

[James Plaskett]

"Everything comes to he who waits"

How To Rob A Quiz Show is a two-part drama and archive documentary series produced by Stellify Media for the UK broadcaster Channel 4.
The production reveals the true story of how two unlikely hustlers formed a sophisticated syndicate to manipulate and make a fortune from the iconic British game show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?.

Key Details About the Series
Format: A hybrid of dramatic reenactments and archival footage.
Episodes: 2 parts.
Broadcaster: Channel 4.Production Company: Stellify Media (based in Belfast).
Production Timeline: Developed and edited between September 2025 and June 2026.

Historical Context
While many people associate game show scandals with Charles Ingram (the infamous "Coughing Major" of 2001), Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? was actually targeted by an organized, underground syndicate of quiz enthusiasts known as "The Consortium." Led by a man named Paddy Spooner, this network successfully infiltrated the show's rigorous telephone qualification lines. They used early internet forums, fast-dialing technology, and banks of researchers to guarantee that syndicate members would consistently secure spots in the "Fastest Finger First" studio chairs, ultimately taking millions of pounds from the production.

And see LinkedIn:
Andrea Lambe - BAFTA Winning Series, TV Documentary editor TV Documentary Editor Freelance (Self employed) Jul 2014 - Present 12 years 2 months Belfast How To Rob A Quiz Show Stellify Media...

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Excellent news. Is there a broadcast date yet? I went looking but it seems there are no confirmed details yet on when and where it will air. Are they still in post-production or are they past that stage?

[James Plaskett]

C4 have it, all done and dusted.
Just keep an eye out for its imminent broadcast.