Format

The Australian version of "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire" is modelled very closely on the original British version - although it has picked up a few variations along the way.

The show begins with ten contestants, all vying for a spot in the hot seat. Before a contestant can make it to the stage - they must take part in a Fastest Finger First challenge. The contestants are given a question - and must select the answers (from four on offer) in the quickest time. When the show began (in 1999) - each question only had one answer and the contestant therefore could only select one (which was the same as the British version when it started). Then in 2002 - the rules were changed so that two answers were required. Now, in 2004 - we have gone to the standard international rules of placing all four answers in a given order (to discourage contestants from just guessing the answers or taking a blind hit).

The quickest contestant to answer correctly is summoned to Eddie's side, and they process to the main podium to place the real challenge. The aim - successfully answer a series of questions - each of increasing value and difficulty - and hopefully reach the final question and answer it correct to take out $1 million dollars. In the earliest days - there were only 11 questions to answer - this was changed to the regulation 15 questions in mid 2000. The cash progressions have been as follows:

1999 - Mid 2000

11 Questions - $1000, $2000, $4000, $8000, $16000, $32000, $64000, $125000, $250000, $500000, $1000000.

Mid 2000 -

15 Questions - $100, $200, $300, $500, $1000, $2000, $4000, $8000, $16000, $32000, $64000, $125000, $250000, $500000, $1000000.

In theory, the task is simple - just select the correct answer for the supplied question from the four choices given. The danger - get a question wrong, and the contestant loses the money won to that stage. There are a number of safety nets however, to assist the contestant with their answers and prevent them from going home empty-handed.

- If players successfully answers the $1000 or $32000 questions - they are guaranteed to go home with at least that amount. - Each player is given three lifelines which they can be used at any time and in any combination:

* Ask the audience - all the audience member key the answer they believe to be correct into a keypad provided, and a percentage breakdown is provided to the contestant. * Phone a friend - the player can ask assistance by phone from a friend. They are given a total of 30 seconds to converse * 50/50 - upon using ths lifeline - two incorrect answers are taken from the board - leaving one correct and one incorrect answer.

At any time (including after a question is given) - the player can choose to leave with the money earnt to that time - unless of course they decide to 'lock in' an answer to the question and go for it.

So far on the Australian version - no one has taken off with the lot (although a lot have come close - many contestants knowing the answer to the million dollar question, but not being brave enough to lock it in). Keeping to a weekly program - Millionaire has ensured consistently high ratings so far, and is set to remain for some time. One of my all-time favourite formats.