Joy Haythorne from Botley, Hampshire wins a life-changing one million pounds on Heart’s Make Me A Millionaire
Days after learning she’s in cancer remission, Joy Haythorne is crowned the UK’s newest millionaire!
Hosted by Heart Breakfast’s Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden
This morning on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden, Heart listener Joy Haythorne from Botley, Hampshire was crowned this year’s lucky winner of Heart’s Make Me A Millionaire.
Joy (77), retired hairdresser and grandmother from Botley, Hampshire is £1,000,000 richer after winning the biggest game on UK radio during a thrilling and emotional Heart’s Make Me A Millionaire Final this morning (Friday 26 June). The nation tuned in as 10 finalists took part in Heart’s nail-biting live final, streamed on Global Player, the official Heart app, and on Heart’s YouTube.
Joy received the life-changing news last week that she is now in remission from cancer. Cancer has deeply affected Joy’s family with her husband Bill sadly passing away following his own battle with the disease. Joy is now planning to donate a massive sum of cash to Macmillan, Cancer Research and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Along with donating money to charity, Joy will be supporting her family and her close group of friends who have stood by and helped her through the years, “I’ve got marvellous friends that came to chemo with me and everything.”
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Throughout June, Heart listeners entered for the chance to reach the £1,000,000 final. This morning, 10 finalists from across the UK travelled to Heart’s Leicester Square studios, each hoping to become a millionaire.
In the live final, each contestant entered ‘The Vault’ and selected a sealed safety deposit box. One box contained the £1,000,000 prize, but no one went home empty-handed as the remaining finalists each won £50,000. The boxes were independently verified, securely sealed and kept under lock and key throughout the competition, with only the independent adjudicator knowing which box contained the winning prize.
“Oh my days. I can’t believe that box said I’m a millionaire. I had to look six times! It is important to me to donate money to Macmillan because they helped me to help my hubby. And also to Cancer Research because without them I probably wouldn’t be here, and probably you yourself, Jamie. It is very important to me and also the Air Ambulance [Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance]. None of us know when we are going to need an air ambulance and none of us know if we are going to need Macmillan.”
Joy Haythorne
“What a morning! Amanda and I were absolutely delighted to celebrate with Joy as she became the UK’s newest millionaire. Knowing she’s also recently received the fantastic news that she’s in remission makes this an even more special moment for her. Heart’s Make Me A Millionaire is always full of surprises, and it’s a real privilege to be part of a show that can create memories like this.”
Heart Breakfast’s Jamie Theakston
“Being part of Heart’s Make Me A Millionaire is always incredibly exciting because nothing compares to the moment you realise someone’s life is about to change forever. What an extraordinary morning for our winner Joy. To hear she’s been told she’s in remission and now has also won Heart’s Make Me A Millionaire, is such a special moment.
She’s a truly deserving winner, and stories like hers are exactly what make this game so unforgettable. I’m absolutely delighted for Joy, and it’s fantastic that even the finalists who didn’t win the million-pound prize are still taking home £50,000. Sharing moments like these with our listeners is a real privilege.”
Heart Breakfast’s Amanda Holden
