AMC and ITV have ordered a three-part series, “Quiz,” based on James Graham’s play of the same name about a British couple who attempted to cheat their way to win at the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”
“Succession” star Matthew Macfadyen will star as Major Charles Ingram, who along with his wife, Diana (played by “Fleabag’s” Sian Clifford), were accused of cheating their way to winning the million-pound prize on the British version of the game show in 2001. The couple worked with an accomplice, Tecwen Whittock, who was sitting in the audience. The couple stood trial for conspiring by coughing during the recording to signify the correct answers to the multiple choice questions posed to the Major by host, Chris Tarrant.
Michael Sheen will play Tarrant, with Michael Jibson playing Whittock. The series also stars Mark Bonnar, Helen McCrory and Aisling Bea.
“A Very English Scandal’s” Stephen Frears will direct. Graham will write the series, which will be produced by Left Bank Pictures. It will be distributed by Sony Pictures Television, which also owns and distributes “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” worldwide.
Filming is currently underway in London.
“If this tale was invented you’d think it too preposterous – the fact that it is true, and told so brilliantly, makes for an unmissable three-part TV event that will entertain and enthrall Americans audiences every bit as much as their British counterparts,” Sarah Barnett, president of Entertainment Networks Group at AMC Networks, said. “‘Quiz’ has the most remarkable bunch of talented people attached both in front of and behind the camera, and we, at AMC, are delighted to be part of it.”