TV WEEK Logie Hall of Fame inductee Rebecca Gibney is pivoting to become the new host of the freshly revamped Millionaire Hot Seat, a spin-off of the global phenomenon, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
The New Zealand actress is the first woman to take on the hosting gig, something she says she was “honoured” to do.
“I have been a fan of [it] for many years. Millionaire Hot Seat has changed the lives of so many people around the world and to [be] asked to be the first female host is an absolute privilege,” she said after the news was announced. “I know I have big shoes to fill, but I said when I turned 60 I wasn’t going to let fear stop me from trying new things – so here we go!”
Those shoes belong to Eddie McGuire, who helmed the show from its launch in 2009 until its hiatus in 2024.
This is Rebecca’s first time hosting a game show. However, she’s not new to reality TV. In fact, she’s been a contestant on reality shows like Dancing with the Stars and Celebrity MasterChef Australia.
As mentioned, Millionaire Hot Seat is a spin-off of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? . The original show’s format features one contestant per episode who progresses through 15 multiple-choice questions of increasing difficulty. Contestants can take their time on each question and use “lifelines” like 50:50, phone a friend, or ask the audience. The game is slower and builds suspense as the prize money climbs toward the $1 million top prize.
Whereas Millionaire Hot Seat, as its name suggests, is a faster, more high-pressure version. Six contestants sit in a row, but only one is “in the hot seat” at a time. They have 60 seconds to answer each question. If they get it wrong, they’re out, and the next player takes over. There’s only one “safe” level, so the risk is higher. The top prize is also $1 million, but the game moves quickly.
If you’re keen to become one of those six, casting is underway for the 2026 series. The show is looking for “energetic, confident trivia lovers” to apply. If that sounds like you, it’s time to throw your hat in the ring.
Millionaire Hot Seat will premiere in February 2026 at 7 pm, following Deal or No Deal.
