Secret Millionaire C4, 9pm Wednesday 29 November
MaskWho can honestly say they've never dreamt of having a total stranger walk up to them and hand them a large wedge? Some people even fantasise about winning the lottery and being able to be that donor, even if only for friends and family. Starting next week, Channel 4's new reality TV show The Secret Millionaire makes that dream come true for both the millionaire and the man (or woman) in the street.
The idea is at once simple and revolutionary. Revolutionary for reality TV that is, because for once there's no scrabbling for the prize. No back-biting, name calling or jockeying for position and no ego trips masquerading as friendships. How can that be, I hear you ask? ("How can that be?")
That's where the simplicity comes in - the person who will eventually benefit from the largesse has no idea it's coming because each week the millionaire is, well, secret. Visiting a deprived area, getting to know the locals and choosing one of them to receive a potentially life-changing financial leg-up.
In the first show 26 year old Ben Way, who made his fortune while still a teenager, lost it all and then made it back again, visits the London borough of Hackney and spends a week acting as a volunteer youth worker while he tries to suss out who among the underprivileged youths is most deserving of the windfall. Having lost his fortune Ben has an insight into what life is like on the streets. Will he choose a kindred spirit? Someone in whom he sees himself, fighting to get back on top? Or will he decide the unexpected handout should go to someone who could never achieve their dreams without it?
tvscoop
