A National Lottery winner has revealed the bizarre request he made to his wife after winning a £1million jackpot.
A resident of Basildon has become a millionaire after his Lucky Dip ticket secured a £1million prize in the Lotto draw held on June 28 this year.
The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, claimed the substantial sum by matching all five main numbers along with the bonus ball.
A dedicated lottery participant for many years, the man typically entered each draw using both his personal selection of numbers and a randomly generated Lucky Dip ticket.
On this occasion, it was the computer-selected entry, purchased at a retail outlet, that delivered the life-changing windfall.
Upon discovering his remarkable fortune, the new millionaire had an unconventional method of confirming the news was real.
He said: "I couldn't believe it. I had to ask my wife to 'slap my face' in case I was dreaming. It's wonderful that we can now help our family."
The winning combination from that evening's draw consisted of 16, 17, 22, 38, 40 and 47, with 4 as the bonus ball.
The man typically entered each draw using both his personal selection of numbers and a randomly generated Lucky Dip ticket
| PATo mark the extraordinary occasion, the fortunate Basildon resident immediately purchased three bottles of champagne to share the celebration with those closest to him.
The couple have expressed their intention to use the windfall to support their relatives.
Andy Carter, Senior Winners Advisor at Allwyn, which operates The National Lottery, offered his congratulations to the Essex winner.
Mr Carter said: "We are thrilled for our lucky winner from Basildon. His commitment to playing the games over the years shows how one's fortune can change any moment. A huge congratulations!"
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This comes after another National Lottery winner decided to spend part of his £1million jackpot on a rather unusual first purchase.
Neil Leighton, from Hereford, spent £40,000 in Thomas the Tank Engine memorabilia.
The money spent actually matches the value of an actual locomotive.
The train aficionado originally contemplated acquiring a genuine steam locomotive with his windfall.
The man asked his wife to slap him (stock pic)
|GETTY
However, he channelled funds into authentic props and collectibles from the cherished children's television programme.