An Irishman who won $50,000 on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Australia said he plans to spend the cash on family holidays and “a few visits to Irish pubs in Melbourne”.
Stephen Fee, 52, was in the hot seat for the popular TV show and managed to bag the top prize.
The dad-of-three said it was a “nerve-wracking” but “exciting” experience, Belfast Live reports.
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Stephen - who moved to Australia in 2004 and is now settled in Melbourne - said he saw an advert for the show in August last year and decided to go for it.
“I’m a fan of the show, I love watching quiz shows and seeing people win money that could change their lives,” he said.
“The show put an advert on they were looking for people to apply in August 2021, I thought why not have a go.”
Belfast native Stephen, whose wife Susan and daughter Samantha were in the audience, recorded the show on March 3 this year and it was screened on May 16 in Australia.
But the family had to keep his win a secret until the air date, which Stephen said was difficult.
“It was hard because all our friends and neighbours knew I had been on the show, somehow we didn’t tell them, you know us Belfast people we love to talk, he said.
“It was amazing to see the show being filmed and also taking part in it,” said Stephen, who is Director of Operations with Focus Australia.
“My show was the first show to have an audience since 2020, so it was exciting to have people cheering and clapping the contestants on.
“When I was told I was on the show, it was nerve-wracking but also exciting. I thought let’s go for it and enjoy the experience. It was something I would tell others to do, it’s a day I will never forget.”
On the moment he won the top prize, Stephen added: “I was quite sure I had the question correct but you’re not sure until you hear correct. I was delighted when told I had won $50k.”
When asked what he hoped to do with his winnings, Stephen said a few holidays and a trip back home were on the cards.
“I will be coming home at some stage with the family, I have also booked a trip to Hawaii to run the Honolulu marathon in December and a family trip to Singapore next year.
“I’m sure there will be a few visits to local Irish pubs in Melbourne.”
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