Pinnacle Gazette

Stockport Retiree Wins £1 Million on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

Roman Dubowski becomes seventh millionaire in show's history after answering all questions correctly

Category: Arts & Culture

Roman Dubowski, a retired IT analyst from Stockport, has made history by becoming the seventh contestant to win the coveted £1 million prize on the ITV quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Dubowski achieved this milestone by correctly answering all 15 questions during the broadcast on April 26, 2026, marking a remarkable moment in the show's 28-year history.

Dubowski's victory was particularly dramatic as he gambled £468,000 of his winnings to answer the final question about the trademark Bass Ale logo, which is famously depicted in Édouard Manet's painting A Bar at the Folies-Bergère. The audience gasped as he confidently identified the correct answer, solidifying his place in the elite club of millionaires on the show.

Following his win, Dubowski expressed his plans to purchase a new house equipped with a driveway, alleviating the need to park on the street. The quiz enthusiast, who is in his early 60s, had previously applied to the show twice without success before finally being selected for this series. His perseverance paid off, as he now joins a select group of contestants who have reached the jackpot.

Dubowski's road to victory was not without its challenges. Early in the game, he stumbled and required assistance from the audience when he could not identify egg yolk as an ingredient in mayonnaise. This moment of uncertainty was quickly overshadowed by his later success.

The contextual backdrop

The latest series of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire has introduced several unique twists, including the fact that two contestants reached the final £1 million question for the first time in the show's history. Producers confirmed that one contestant would win the jackpot, but the identity of the winner was kept secret until the episode aired, adding an element of suspense for viewers.

Dubowski's episode was filmed months prior to its broadcast, adhering to compliance rules that prevent winners from receiving their cash until after the show airs. This delay creates a unique scenario where contestants must maintain secrecy about their winnings, a situation that Dubowski described as surreal. He noted, "The win didn’t sink in until later. It felt unreal. You don’t get the money until after the show is broadcast. It’s coming soon."

Host Jeremy Clarkson, who has been at the helm of the show since its revival in 2018, praised the current series for its nail-biting moments and extraordinary tension. He remarked, "I think this might be my favourite series so far. There are some properly nail-biting moments and seeing two contestants get to the £1 million question was extraordinary." Clarkson emphasized the show's enduring appeal, stating, "It’s genuinely the granddaddy. There are a number of good TV quizzes, but there is no getting away from the fact this is the big daddy, it’s the GOAT, it’s the OG."

What's next for Dubowski and the show

In addition to Dubowski's triumph, the series has also seen dramatic losses, with one contestant losing £186,000 in a single moment—one of the largest losses in the show's history. This incident adds to the tension that has characterized the current season, underscoring the high stakes involved.

As for Dubowski, he has shared valuable advice for aspiring contestants. He recommends reading A to Z of Everything: A Compendium of General Knowledge by Trevor Montague and emphasizes the importance of visiting art galleries to broaden knowledge. He also advised future contestants to choose their Phone a Friend lifeline wisely, selecting someone who can provide insights into areas where they may be weaker. "I needed my sister's help at £2,000 to answer a retail fashion question, which was not a strong point for me," Dubowski explained.

Looking ahead, Dubowski plans to take his time adjusting to his newfound wealth. He expressed a preference for experiences over extravagant purchases, mentioning aspirations to travel to South America or revisit New Zealand. As he prepares for this next chapter in his life, Dubowski remains focused on enjoying the moment and considering his future options.

The excitement surrounding Who Wants To Be A Millionaire continues to capture viewers' attention, with the show returning to its roots of suspense and knowledge-based competition. As the series progresses, fans are eager to see how the remaining contestants fare and whether more millionaires will emerge from this iconic quiz show. With the next episode airing soon, audiences closely to see what surprises await.