[Scarlett.]

Chris Tarrant has revealed that two major format changes are to be introduced to his long-running gameshow Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?.

Speaking to The Sun, the broadcaster confirmed that contestants will soon be forced to play against the clock when attempting to secure lower cash values in the show's early stages. The shake-up is a significant change as participants have always been granted as much time as they like to answer questions.

In a further twist, Phone-A-Friend helpers will start appearing on screen rather than simply being heard over the phone.

Discussing the revamp, which will take effect in new episodes filmed later this summer, Tarrant commented: "I was wary of changing it as I was of the view that it was perfect, so why interfere with it? Yet the changes will work.

"One of the things that slows the show down is when people are struggling with a question and they just stare at the screen. So in future we will be doing all the early rounds against the clock. 30 seconds against the clock will really change it."

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? has been on the air since 1998. Its format was previously changed in 2007 when a new system of prize levels was introduced.

Digital Spy

[RichardWells]

I'm all for the changes as the show has become pretty stale lately.