Entertainment

The Millionaire cheating scandal that inspired Quiz – in pictures

The drama tells the story of the so-called Coughing Major, who was found guilty of cheating on the show.
The drama tells the story of the so-called Coughing Major, who was found guilty of cheating on the show.

The Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? cheating scandal and subsequent trial was a national phenomenon.

The story of the Army major and his wife cheating their way to the top prize on the quiz shop captured the imagination of the public.

Here is a look at how the story unfolded in pictures and how it is dramatised in the current ITV drama Quiz.

Media interest

As the story broke, photographers gathered outside the Ingrams’ home in Wiltshire.

Major Charles Ingram after he was arrested and bailed (PA) (Chris Ison/PA)

The court case

The couple first appeared at Bow Street Magistrates’ Court, before the case was referred to Southwark Crown Court.

Major Charles Ingram and his wife Diana arrive at Bow Magistrates court (PA) (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA)
Tecwen Whittock, who was also convicted in the scheme, arrives at Southwark Crown Court. He is played in the drama by Michael Jibson (PA) (Johnny Green/PA)
Major Charles Ingram and wife Diana outside Southwark Crown Court (PA) (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
Quiz
Quiz show host Chris Tarrant arriving at Southwark Crown Court to give evidence at the trial (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
Quiz
Michael Sheen as Chris Tarrant in the drama (Matt Frost/ITV)
Major Charles Ingram (centre right) after he was found guilty (PA) (Sean Dempsey/PA)

After the trial

After the couple were found guilty, Major Charles Ingram confirmed he had resigned his commission and was no longer a serving Army officer.

Major Charles Ingram and Diana after he confirmed that he had resigned his commission and was no longer a serving Army officer (PA) (Barry Batchelor/PA)
Matthew Macfadyen and Sian Clifford in the dramatisation (Leftbank Pictures for ITV) (Matt_Frost)

Life in the public eye

The couple continued to appear on TV.

Charles starred on Channel 4’s The Games in 2004, alongside other celebrity guests such as model Linda Lusardi and Boyzone singer Shane Lynch.

In 2006, they appeared as a couple on a celebrity version of The Weakest Link, alongside the likes of racing pundit John McCririck and his long-suffering wife Jenny.

TV Quick Awards 2003
The couple attended the TV Quick awards in 2003 (Ian West/PA)

Quiz continues on ITV at 9pm.