RTÉ forced to axe popular money spinning quiz show

RTÉ has blamed a lack of funding on its decision to axe the popular Who Wants to be a Millionaire quiz show.

However, the national broadcaster has not ruled out airing another series of the television hit next year.

The first two runs of the programme, hosted by veteran presenter Gay Byrne, were regular poll-toppers in the viewer ratings.

But an RTÉ spokesperson confirmed last night that a decision was made in the last month not to go ahead with a third series.

“We couldn’t get the right mix of funding so we’re not in a position to recommission the programme,” she said.

The spokesperson would not comment on reports the National Lottery had come up with the prize money sponsorship needed to air the show.

But, she said, the decision was only made in relation to this year, giving some hope of Gaybo returning to host the show next year.

RTÉ bosses wrote to the independent makers of the first two series, Tyrone Productions last month to inform them of the decision.

Eircell were the initial sponsors of the show, forking out a rumoured €8 million for the privilege.

Gay Byrne was reported to be disappointed at the decision, having enjoyed the role he played in the popularity of the Millionaire quiz.

It first aired in October 2000 and the top prize given out on the Irish version of the show was stg£250,000.

The pre-euro cheque was taken home by Dublin contestant Roger Dowds in January 2001.

The first series alone paid out the equivalent of more than €2.7 million in prize money.