Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Crowns Seventh UK Winner After Six-Year Drought
April 28, 2026
In a triumphant return to form for one of television’s most iconic game shows, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? has crowned its seventh UK winner—and its first in six years. Roman Dubowski, a 62-year-old retired IT analyst from Stockport, Greater Manchester, answered all 15 questions correctly to secure the £1 million jackpot, ending what had been the show’s longest dry spell without a top prize winner since its 1998 debut.
Dubowski’s victory, which aired on ITV on April 26, 2026, was nothing short of cinematic. The contestant, who describes quizzing as a hobby, navigated a series of increasingly difficult questions with a calm precision that left host Jeremy Clarkson in awe. “He’s an encyclopaedia in a shirt,” Clarkson quipped during the broadcast, a nod to Dubowski’s methodical approach and deep well of knowledge.
The Road to £1 Million: A Contestant’s Journey
Dubowski’s path to the jackpot was not without its moments of tension. Early in the game, he faced a stumbling block at the £1,000 mark when asked to identify the missing key ingredient in mayonnaise. The question, which many viewers might have found deceptively simple, served as a reminder of the show’s ability to trip up even the most seasoned quiz enthusiasts. Yet Dubowski recovered swiftly, breezing through the subsequent questions with a confidence that belied the stakes.
By the time he reached the £500,000 question, Dubowski had used just one of his three lifelines—a strategic move that left him with the 50:50 and “Ask Jeremy” options for the final, million-pound question. His decision to employ the 50:50 lifeline, which eliminated two incorrect answers, was a calculated risk that ultimately paid off. “I thought, ‘I consider I know this,’” Dubowski later recalled. “I used the 50:50, but in truth, I was already confident—it simply confirmed what I thought.”
The Million-Pound Question
The final question that secured Dubowski’s victory was a masterclass in cultural trivia:
“Used since 1876, which trademarked logo is described in the James Joyce novel Ulysses and depicted in works by Manet and Picasso?”
- A. Bass Ale
- B. The Famous Grouse
- C. Coca-Cola
- D. Stella Artois
Dubowski’s answer—Bass Ale—was correct. The retired IT analyst revealed that his familiarity with Édouard Manet’s painting A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, which he had seen at London’s Courtauld Gallery, played a pivotal role in his confidence. “I distinctly remember seeing a red triangle on the painting, which has always been the symbol of Bass beer,” he explained. The logo, one of the world’s oldest trademarks, has indeed appeared in numerous works of art and literature, including Joyce’s Ulysses.
A Dream Two Decades in the Making
For Dubowski, the win was the culmination of a lifelong ambition. He had applied to appear on the show twice before—once during the Chris Tarrant era and again post-lockdown—only to be turned away. His persistence finally paid off in October 2025, when he spotted a casting call and decided to try one last time. “I thought, ‘Might as well,’” he said. “I had nothing to lose.”
His victory was all the sweeter given his modest expectations. “I thought I was great enough to win, say, a five-figure sum because I’ve seen the show so much,” Dubowski admitted. “I’ve seen very good quiz names not do so well because just one question can catch you out.” His humility and strategic mindset—“stay calm and not rush, to speak slowly and think things through”—served him well under pressure.
What’s Next for the New Millionaire?
Dubowski’s plans for his winnings are as practical as they are aspirational. He has confirmed that he will share a portion of the prize with his niece and nephew, a gesture that underscores his grounded approach to sudden wealth. “It’s unreal,” he said of his win. “It didn’t perceive like the real world, almost. It didn’t sink in until later.”
Beyond generosity, Dubowski has his sights set on a new home, and travel. “I’m planning on buying a new house,” he shared, adding that he hopes to explore destinations like New Zealand and South America. His victory as well serves as a reminder of the show’s enduring appeal, even in an era dominated by streaming and digital entertainment.
A Rare Feat: The Show’s Elite Winners
Dubowski’s win places him in an exclusive club. Since Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? first aired in the UK in 1998, only seven contestants have claimed the top prize. The previous winner, Donald Fear, secured the jackpot in 2020 under Clarkson’s tenure, marking the complete of a 14-year drought. During the show’s original run with host Chris Tarrant, five contestants achieved the feat:
- Judith Keppel (2000) – The first UK winner, whose victory was so groundbreaking it was initially met with skepticism.
- David Edwards (2001) – A teacher who famously used all three lifelines on the £1 million question.
- Robert Brydges (2001) – A banker who won just months after Edwards, making 2001 a historic year for the show.
- Pat Gibson (2004) – A software engineer whose win was notable for his use of the “Phone a Friend” lifeline on the final question.
- Ingram Wilcox (2006) – A civil servant who became the last winner of the Tarrant era.
Dubowski’s victory not only ends the show’s longest gap between winners but also reaffirms its status as a cultural touchstone. “It’s one of those shows that everyone thinks they could win,” he reflected. “But when you’re in that hot seat, it’s a different story.”
Could You Answer the Million-Pound Questions? Test Your Knowledge
Dubowski’s journey to the jackpot was paved with questions that spanned history, art, literature, and pop culture. Below are the 15 questions he answered correctly to win £1 million. How many can you get right without lifelines?
- £100: Which of these is a type of pasta?
- A. Risotto
- B. Fettuccine
- C. Gnocchi
- D. Polenta
Answer: B. Fettuccine
- £200: In the human body, what is the patella commonly known as?
- A. Collarbone
- B. Kneecap
- C. Shoulder blade
- D. Shinbone
Answer: B. Kneecap
- £300: Which of these is a character in the Harry Potter series?
- A. Severus Slytherin
- B. Sirius Ravenclaw
- C. Remus Hufflepuff
- D. Peter Gryffindor
Answer: A. Severus Slytherin
- £500: What is the capital of Canada?
- A. Toronto
- B. Vancouver
- C. Ottawa
- D. Montreal
Answer: C. Ottawa
- £1,000: Which of these is not a key ingredient in mayonnaise?
- A. Egg yolks
- B. Oil
- C. Vinegar
- D. Flour
Answer: D. Flour
- £2,000: In which year did the Titanic sink?
- A. 1908
- B. 1912
- C. 1916
- D. 1920
Answer: B. 1912
- £5,000: Which of these is the chemical symbol for gold?
- A. Go
- B. Gd
- C. Au
- D. Ag
Answer: C. Au
- £10,000: Which Shakespeare play features the characters Rosalind and Orlando?
- A. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- B. As You Like It
- C. Twelfth Night
- D. The Tempest
Answer: B. As You Like It
- £20,000: Which of these countries is not a member of the European Union?
- A. Norway
- B. Sweden
- C. Finland
- D. Denmark
Answer: A. Norway
- £50,000: Which of these novels was written by George Orwell?
- A. Brave New World
- B. 1984
- C. Fahrenheit 451
- D. The Handmaid’s Tale
Answer: B. 1984
- £75,000: In Greek mythology, who was the god of the sun?
- A. Zeus
- B. Apollo
- C. Hermes
- D. Ares
Answer: B. Apollo
- £150,000: Which of these artists painted The Starry Night?
- A. Pablo Picasso
- B. Vincent van Gogh
- C. Claude Monet
- D. Salvador Dalí
Answer: B. Vincent van Gogh
- £250,000: Which of these is the largest planet in our solar system?
- A. Saturn
- B. Jupiter
- C. Uranus
- D. Neptune
Answer: B. Jupiter
- £500,000: Which of these composers wrote the Moonlight Sonata?
- A. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- B. Ludwig van Beethoven
- C. Johann Sebastian Bach
- D. Franz Schubert
Answer: B. Ludwig van Beethoven
- £1,000,000: Used since 1876, which trademarked logo is described in the James Joyce novel Ulysses and depicted in works by Manet and Picasso?
- A. Bass Ale
- B. The Famous Grouse
- C. Coca-Cola
- D. Stella Artois
Answer: A. Bass Ale
Dubowski’s performance is a testament to the power of preparation and composure. His advice to fellow quiz enthusiasts? “Read A to Z of Everything by Trevor Montague,” he suggested, referencing a comprehensive trivia book. “And stay calm. One question can change everything.”
Key Takeaways: What Dubowski’s Win Means for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
- A Rare Achievement: Dubowski is only the seventh contestant to win the £1 million jackpot in the show’s 28-year history, ending a six-year drought.
- Strategic Gameplay: His use of lifelines—saving two for the final question—demonstrates the importance of strategy in high-stakes quizzing.
- Cultural Impact: The million-pound question, which referenced art and literature, highlights the show’s ability to blend pop culture with niche knowledge.
- Enduring Appeal: Despite the rise of streaming and digital entertainment, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? remains a beloved format, with Clarkson’s tenure revitalizing its relevance.
- Life-Changing Moments: Dubowski’s plans to buy a home, travel, and share his winnings reflect the transformative potential of the show’s top prize.
FAQ: Your Questions About Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Answered
How many people have won £1 million on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in the UK?
As of April 2026, seven contestants have won the £1 million jackpot on the UK version of the show. Roman Dubowski is the latest, joining an elite group that includes Judith Keppel, David Edwards, and Donald Fear.
What was the million-pound question that Roman Dubowski answered?
The final question was: “Used since 1876, which trademarked logo is described in the James Joyce novel Ulysses and depicted in works by Manet and Picasso?” The correct answer was Bass Ale, a logo that appears in Édouard Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère.
How does the show’s format work?
Contestants answer a series of 15 multiple-choice questions, with the prize money increasing at each level. They have three lifelines—50:50, Ask the Host, and Phone a Friend (though the latter has been replaced in some versions)—to support them when they’re unsure of an answer.
Who hosts Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? now?
Since 2018, the show has been hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, who took over from Chris Tarrant, the original host from 1998 to 2014.
What’s the hardest question ever asked on the show?
While difficulty is subjective, the million-pound questions are designed to be obscure yet answerable with deep knowledge or strategic lifeline use. Dubowski’s question about the Bass Ale logo is a prime example, requiring familiarity with both art and literature.
Can anyone apply to be on the show?
Yes, ITV periodically opens applications for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Dubowski applied multiple times before finally securing a spot. The selection process typically includes quizzes and interviews to assess contestants’ knowledge and on-screen presence.
The Future of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Dubowski’s win is a shot in the arm for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, proving that the format remains as compelling as ever. With Clarkson at the helm, the show has embraced a more conversational and occasionally irreverent tone, appealing to both longtime fans and younger audiences. The addition of new lifelines, such as “Ask Jeremy,” has also refreshed the gameplay, giving contestants more tools to tackle the toughest questions.
As for Dubowski, his story is a reminder that persistence and preparation can lead to extraordinary outcomes. “I didn’t expect to win a million,” he admitted. “But I’m glad I did.” For viewers at home, his victory is an invitation to dream big—and maybe even dust off that trivia book.