Who Wants to be a Millionaire? rules changing

There could be an all-new lifeline when filming resumes

The rules of hit quiz series Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? appear set to change as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Filming for the ITV show is likely to restart in July, as social distancing restrictions are eased across the TV industry.

According to The Sun, the series’ producers are exploring ways to alter the rules of the competition to allow a safe production environment.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? will almost certainly be recorded in an empty studio. This means contestants will be unable to use the famous “Ask the Audience” lifeline, in which they turn to the studio audience for advice over which of four multiple choice answers to pick.

A potential solution being discussed is that contestants will receive twice as many “Phone a Friend” lifelines to compensate.

In the report, a source said: “Bosses are keen to get Millionaire back as soon as possible.

“They’re hoping they can get the green light to get Jeremy and contestants back in the studio next month and air in the autumn.”

They continued: “The next issue is the audience and, if there isn’t one, then the lifelines. They’ve discussed a new lifeline entirely, or giving contestants the opportunity to call two friends for help.”

The long-running series has previously introduced a new lifeline before; when host Jeremy Clarkson replaced Chris Tarrant, an “Ask the Host” option was added into the mix.