TV quiz show prize reverts to Crown after winner dies

A PRIZE won by a contestant on Who Wants to be a Millionaire has been claimed by the Crown, it was revealed yesterday.

Colin Hallett won 125,000 on the ITV quiz show but was initially barred from receiving the money after it emerged that he had a criminal record.

Following a legal battle he was granted the prize, but died before he could spend it. Now, because Mr Hallett, who died in April 2007, aged 52, has no heir, the Crown will receive the money.

Mr Hallett, who was barred from his local pub quiz for being too clever, was initially denied his cheque from Chris Tarrant after answering 12 correct answers in November 2001.

Celador, the show's maker, froze his money when it emerged Mr Hallett had convictions for arson and driving off without paying for fuel.