Brian McFadden urges ITV to give Charles Ingram another shot in Millionaire chair – and former Army major is up for it
BRIAN McFadden has shown his support for Charles Ingram and has even gone as far as to urge ITV to give him a rematch.
Brian, 40, took to Twitter earlier today to wade in on the debate surrounding Charles and the recently aired drama Quiz.
Replying to Dan Wootton's post about the hugely popular show, which was based on Charles' appearance on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? back in 2001, the Westlife star appeared to defend the former Army major.
Brian tweeted: "Give him another chance on the show without a randomly picked audience. See how he does.
"Now that would be quality television!!!! Charles v millionaire. The re-match," he added.
And it seems Charles is very much up for the challenge and even replied to Brian's tweet.
"Throw in an independent adjudicator for questions and it’s game on. Someone suggested doubling the money too..." he posted.
After winning the jackpot on the gameshow almost 20 years ago, the ex-Army Major was found guilty of swindling the series with the help of his wife Diana and a coughing accomplice, Tecwen Whittock.
Despite Charles answering 15 questions correctly during his turn on the ITV show, the cheque was taken from him as he left the studio as suspicions began to surface.
A court ruled he had answered the questions through help from fellow contestant Tecwen, who coughed to alert him to the right answers.
The 2003 Southwark Crown Court trial lasted four weeks and heard evidence from Charles claiming the video tape of the show was "unfairly manipulated".
He insisted he didn't notice the coughing but 192 coughs were recorded during the second night of the show - 32 from the ten Fastest Finger First contestants, with 19 of these "significant".
Prosecutors said these coughs were from Tecwen, who claimed to have suffered a persistent cough for his entire life.
All three were convicted of procuring the execution of a valuable security by deception on April 7, 2003.
Both Diana and Charles were given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years, while Whittock received a 12 month sentence suspended for two years.
Viewers were gripped when ITV aired three hour-long episodes reenacting what happened back in 2001.
The role of Chris Tarrant was played by Michael Sheen, while Succession star Matthew Macfadyen portrayed Major Charles Ingram.