Jeremy Clarkson addresses ITV Millionaire spin-off complaints as fans blast ‘frustrating’ new feature

The fast-paced game sees six contestants rotating in the "hot seat" to face questions from former Top Gear star Mr Clarkson.

The players were given 15 seconds to answer each question, but the brainteasers gradually became harder, much like the flagship programme.

If questions were answered correctly, the contestant would remain in the seat and be able to play on, but if they got a question wrong, they were immediately taken out of the game.

The top prize amount also dropped as a result of wrong answers, but each player was allowed one "pass" to use.

If they opted to use their pass, they'd be able to return to the hot seat later in the game.

While the speedy nature of the show added a new element of pressure to the quiz series fans are used to, not everyone was impressed by the changes.

Most were critical about the overly-fast pace of the show and how contestants seemed to choose to waste precious time "chatting" to Mr Clarkson.

One X post was in direct response to Mr Clarkson's own post, which read: "I've hosted a new show starting on @ITV this evening.

"It’s called Hot Seat and it’s Who Wants to be a Millionaire. But faster. Can’t wait to see how it’s turned out. @MariaMac1 @MariaMac110."

The viewer replied: "Can someone please explain to the contestants that they need to stop nattering and answer the questions as quickly as possible. So frustrating!"

Responding to the complaints, Mr Clarkson admitted he had tried to remedy the conduct of contestants in a bid to curb complaints. He wrote: "I do. Before the show every time."

A few other viewers also chimed in on the conversation, with one X user advising: "Perhaps let one of them run out of time….the others might get the message."

"I must admit that this format shows how brilliant the original (and JC era) format of Millionaire was! I enjoyed it, but it wasn't the same," another responded.

Someone else replied: "I want to see all the pressure on one person, not to see someone go home with nothing just because it happened not to be 'their turn!'"

The series comprises eight 30-minute episodes, with several contestants already having secured £100,000 prizes during filming.

Mr Clarkson revealed last month he was initially hesitant when approached about the hosting role, noting he already juggles nine other jobs.

"I have got nine jobs already, so I don't really need to do it, and it's obviously another quiz - but they sent me the Australian version, and I watched it once, and I thought, 'Yes, this can work,'" he said.

The presenter has likened the format to "a very expensive game of musical chairs" where outcomes can prove unpredictable.