The Secret Millionaire
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Reality television |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Ireland |
| Products | Television program |
The Secret Millionaire is a reality TV series that originated in the United Kingdom, showcasing affluent individuals who go undercover in disadvantaged neighborhoods and contribute substantial donations, often amounting to tens of thousands of pounds or dollars. The UK edition, produced by RDF Media, debuted on Channel 4 in 2006 and has since produced multiple seasons.
Format
In each installment, a wealthy participant assumes a hidden identity to reside incognito within an economically challenged community for approximately one week (six days in the American adaptation). They subsist on a very limited budget—typically less than $150—and forego modern amenities while engaging in work and volunteer efforts alongside local residents. During this time, they identify deserving people or initiatives to support financially. On the final day, their true status is disclosed, and they present charitable contributions of at least $100,000 aimed at improving lives. Notably, William Du was the first to make a donation privately off-camera.
British version
The inaugural millionaire featured was 26-year-old Ben Way. Series 3 commenced on 5 August 2008 with businessman James Benamor, recognized for his investments in the sub-prime lending sector and controversial practices linked to his Richmond Group enterprise.
Andrew Feldman appeared as the youngest millionaire at age 24 during the concluding episode of series 10 on 24 June 2012, delivering the show's second-largest single donation: £100,000 to Little Heroes, a charity dedicated to supporting children battling cancer.
American version
The US adaptation premiered on Fox on 3 December 2008. Mirroring the British format, it features wealthy benefactors who live undercover within underprivileged American communities on a restricted budget for one week. At the conclusion, they disclose their identities and contribute no less than $100,000, occasionally dividing the amount among several recipients.
Fox broadcast six hour-long episodes including a two-hour premiere. The featured millionaires encompassed Internet advertising entrepreneur Gurbaksh Chahal; Todd and Gwen Graves of Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers; Century Software founder Gregory Haerr; DUB Magazine founders Myles and Cynthia Kovacs; attorney and sportswear businessman Gregory Ruzicka along with his son Cole; and Baltimore community leader and Baltimore Ravens cheerleader Molly Shattuck.
Season one aired on Fox, while season two—also comprising six hour-long episodes—was shown on ABC.
Australian version
The Australian edition, titled The Secret Millionaire Australia to differentiate from the US version, debuted in 2009 on the Nine Network. This first season comprised five episodes narrated by Russell Crowe, who discussed his involvement and philanthropic philosophy in an interview with the Herald Sun. Featured millionaires included Albert Bertini (associated with the failed property firm Trivest), Derek Leddie (founder of The Leading Edge market research), Peter Bond (managing director of Linc Energy), Naomi Simson (founder of RedBalloon), and Danny Wallis (founder of DWS Advanced Business Solutions). A sixth completed episode was withheld due to financial difficulties experienced by the featured benefactor. In total, over $750,000 was granted to individuals and community organizations.
Season two premiered on Nine on 23 August 2010 with Russell Crowe returning as narrator. Entrepreneurs featured included Carly Crutchfield (founder/CEO of CCorp), Karl Redenbach (founder of nSynergy), Sean Ashby (founder of aussieBum), Alf & Nadia Taylor (founders/directors of TNA Solutions), Christian Beck (founder/CEO of LEAP Legal Software), and Denis McFadden (founder/CEO of Just Cuts). Carly Crutchfield’s role was highlighted in a Sydney Morning Herald article marking the series’ return. Coverage of Sean Ashby’s participation appeared in The Daily Telegraph, focusing on his business achievements and charitable efforts.
Season 1: 2009
| Episode | Original airdate | Millionaire |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 7 October 2009 | Albert Bertini |
| Episode 2 | 14 October 2009 | Peter Bond |
| Episode 3 | 21 October 2009 | Derek Leddie |
| Episode 4 | 28 October 2009 | Naomi Simson |
| Episode 5 | 5 November 2009 | Danny Wallis |
| Episode 6 | Unaired | Leanne Wesche |
Season 2: 2010
| Episode | Original airdate | Millionaire | Donation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 23 August 2010 | Carly Crutchfield | $120,000 |
| Episode 2 | 30 August 2010 | Karl Redenbach | $106,000 plus job offer |
| Episode 3 | 6 September 2010 | Sean Ashby | $195,000 |
| Episode 4 | 13 September 2010 | Alf & Nadia Taylor | $250,000 |
| Episode 5 | 20 September 2010 | Christian Beck | $107,000 plus vehicle |
| Episode 6 | Unaired, available via FixPlay | Denis McFadden | $110,000 |
Irish version
Produced annually by RTÉ since 2011, this series airs on RTÉ1 during September and October. Reruns have been shown on Channel 4 under the title Secret Millionaire Ireland.
Series 1: 2011
| Episode | Original airdate | Millionaire | Location | Donation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 19 September 2011 | John Concannon | Dublin, County Dublin | €40,000 |
| Episode 2 | 26 September 2011 | John Fitzpatrick | Dundalk, County Louth | €37,000 |
| Episode 3 | 3 October 2011 | Nadim Sadek | Shandon, County Cork | €40,000 |
Series 2: 2012
| Episode | Original airdate | Millionaire | Location | Donation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 10 September 2012 | Jim Breen | Finglas, County Dublin | €42,000 plus an allotment |
| Episode 2 | 17 September 2012 | Ramona Nicholas | Galway, County Galway | €41,000 |
| Episode 3 | 24 September 2012 | Richard Mulcahy | Ballinacurra Weston, County Limerick | €10,000 plus €5,000 and a new mini-bus |
| Episode 4 | 1 October 2012 | Vincent Cleary | Waterford, County Waterford | €15,000 plus €3,000 plus €15,000 plus €7,000 |
| Secret Millionaire Revisited | 8 October 2012 | Millionaires from Series 1 | N/A |
Awards
The UK edition of Secret Millionaire was honored with the Rose d'Or Award for best reality series in 2007. Additionally, it secured the best "Docu Soap" accolade at the National Reality TV Awards for its tenth series in August of 2012.
See also
- The Millionaire, a dramatized show (1955–1960) centered on a wealthy individual distributing money.
External links
- Video clips hosted on Channel 4
- Secret Millionaire archived at Fox
- The Secret Millionaire archived at ninemsn
- Secret Millionaire on ABC Season Two
- Details about The Secret Millionaire TV Show debuting on ABC
- Articles with short description
- Articles with long short description
- 2000s American reality television series
- 2006 British television series debuts
- 2008 American television series debuts
- 2009 Australian television series debuts
- 2010 Australian television series endings
- 2010s American reality television series
- 2000s British reality television series
- 2010s British reality television series
- 2011 Irish television series debuts
- 2012 Irish television series endings
- American television series based on British television series
- 2000s Australian reality television series
- 2010s Australian reality television series
- Channel 4 reality television shows
- American English-language television shows
- Fox Broadcasting Company reality television shows
- Nine Network original programming
- Television series by Banijay
- American Broadcasting Company reality television shows