JEREMY Clarkson has labelled Major Charles Ingram as “guilty as sin” but admitted he would not have clocked any wrongdoing on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? either.
The telly veteran, 60, who hosts the rebooted version of the hit ITV show, said it would have been hard for original host Chris Tarrant, 73, to hear the series of coughs from Ingram’s wife Diana and accomplice Tecwen Whittock.
Jeremy said he’s still debating the court case with pals after watching Quiz – the three-part series about the 2001 scandal – but insisted he was adamant of the trio’s guilt.
In an exclusive interview, Jeremy said: “I thought it was absolutely fascinating and I was just talking to someone who is absolutely convinced they’re innocent.
“That was the clever thing about Quiz I thought. They are guilty as sin. I’m really convinced, but others are absolutely convinced of their innocence.
“I thought the performances were spectacular, they were fantastic all of them. They were just so brilliantly cast. Great drama.”
Jeremy, who returns to host Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? on Sunday, said he would have struggled to link the coughing with Ingram’s decisions while in the hot seat.
He explained: “It’s interesting. Tarrant just thought he was lucky or clever – or a bit of a buffoon.
“But certainly at the time didn’t think he cheated.
“Obvious when you’re hosting the show, half of you is paying attention to the person sitting in front of you, but the other half is thinking about you making a TV show.
“Perhaps you wouldn’t notice that something untoward is happening.
“I don’t think I’d be any different. You just think wow this is good television, and then just switch into TV presenter mode.”
During his exclusive interview, Jeremy also revealed the upcoming series featured one of the most iconic moments in the history of the show – teasing one contestant goes all the way.
