Eddie McGuire, the esteemed host of Channel 9’s Millionaire Hot Seat, has expressed his “sadness” as he revealed that the popular game show will be coming to an end in January 2024.
Millionaire Hot Seat, which originally premiered in 2009 as a spin-off to the hit show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” holds the distinction of being the longest-running game show on Australian television.
Addressing the news to fans during a conversation on 3AW radio last Friday, McGuire shared, “It’s with great pride and joy and also sadness that I announce this morning Millionaire Hot Seat will go into hiatus at the end of January next year.”
He went on to reveal that there will be a replacement show airing at 5 p.m. on the Nine Network following the show’s 25th-anniversary celebration in 2024.
Over the years, Millionaire Hot Seat has held a special place in the hearts of its viewers. McGuire fondly reminisced about the impact the show has had on people’s lives. “I’ve had the privilege of being in everybody’s lounge room for a long time every night at 5 o’clock, and I love the fact that so many people come and say, ‘I sit there with my grandparents and we did these things together,'” he said. “It’s been a great privilege.”
He further shared some touching memories of contestants who have experienced life-changing moments on the show, like individuals revealing their sexuality freely and a businessman who won a substantial sum during the global financial crisis, saving him from dire circumstances.
As the show bids farewell after 24 years, Nine’s Director of Television, Michael Healy, expressed gratitude for Millionaire Hot Seat and its predecessor, acknowledging their status as fundamental pillars in Channel 9’s lineup throughout the years. While changes are planned for 2024, Healy emphasized that the channel is eager to continue showcasing triumphant stories and maintaining its successful partnership with Eddie McGuire.
As the end of an era approaches, Millionaire Hot Seat remains a cherished part of Australian television history, having enriched the lives of contestants and viewers alike. Eddie McGuire’s contributions to the show have been significant, and fans can still look forward to enjoying the program’s remaining episodes until its final broadcast in January 2024.
