News about Charles Ingram

One of the only winners of the full seven-figure jackpot prize in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire's 25 year history has quietly given away his fortune, we can reveal. Donald Fear (pictured), 61, from Shropshire became only the sixth contestant to win the big prize on the hugely popular ITV quiz show in 2020. But he only kept a fraction of his winnings - enough to fund a modest retirement - and gave away £700,000 of his million-pound windfall to family and friends. And Mr Fear even forgot to buy his wife anything at all from his winnings - except a £30 pair of walking boots.

EXCLUSIVE: The former army major, who was found guilty of deception and winning the £1 million jackpot with the help of an accomplice who 'coughed' to point the correct answer, lives a simple life on a farm with his wife Diana. Ingram rents an annexation to a 18th-century farmhouse in Maiden Bradley, Somerset, where the 60-year-old has a 'beautious' appearance, although they have no idea what he does for a living. One villager said, 'We often see him in the village and out walking his dog.' He is a sociable chap who has been here a few years.'

Rory Bremner, from Edinburgh, will play Chris Tarrant in a nine-week production of Quiz - the play about 'Coughing Major' Charles Ingram and his appearance on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? (main and inset) Ingram won the £1 million jackpot, but he was being helped by an accomplice in the audience who coughed when the correct answer was read out.

When cheating his way to £1 million, the chair (left) disgraced army officer Charles Ingram (pictured right with his wife) sat in while cheating his way to £1 million. Since answering 15 questions correctly, the 'Coughing Major' received the top award on the ITV show in 2001. However, it soon emerged that he had been aided by fellow contestant Tecwen Whittock, who coughed or blew his nose to warn him of the correct answers. Following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court, south London, in 2003, Ingram's wife Diana was also involved in the deception, and all three parties received suspended prison sentences.

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