Current Hosts of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
As of 2025, the most widely recognized current host of the U.S. syndicated Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is Rita Ora, who took over the syndicated version in 2023. For the U.S. primetime ABC revival, the long-time host remains Jimmy Kimmel, a role he has held since the show's relaunch in 2020. In the United Kingdom, the original franchise has seen multiple hosts; historically led by Chris Tarrant (1998–2014), the current host for recent revivals is Matt Edmondson, supported by a rotating lineup of regional presenters and celebrity specials worldwide. The following sections explain these shifts in detail.
Host Evolution by Region
United States Primetime: Jimmy Kimmel
Since its return to ABC in 2020, the U.S. primetime version of the franchise has been anchored by Jimmy Kimmel. His tenure has helped sustain the show's prime-time presence and familiarity, benefiting from his late-night profile and cross-promotion with other ABC and ITV franchises.
U.S. Syndicated Run: Rita Ora and Predecessors
The syndicated version has cycled through several hosts. Phil Keoghan has been the consistent face for the New Zealand-based production in Australia and international markets for many years. For U.S. syndication, networks have experimented with hosts including Cedric the Entertainer (2013–2014) and, most recently, Rita Ora starting in 2023. Hosts for syndicated versions often bring local celebrity appeal to broaden audience reach.
United Kingdom: From Chris Tarrant to Matt Edmondson
In the UK, the franchise is best known for Chris Tarrant's 16-year tenure. After the original format transitioned, revivals and specials have featured Matt Edmondson alongside recurring celebrity and regional iterations, reflecting the format's adaptability across digital and linear platforms.
Notable Former Hosts Worldwide
The global reach of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire has led to a diverse roster of hosts across markets. In India, the Hindi version was long associated with Amitabh Bachchan, while other regions have introduced local stars to tailor the show for their audiences. The following table summarizes key host–region pairings and approximate tenures for the most prominent versions.
Key Host–Region Tenure Overview
| Region / Version | Host | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Primetime (ABC) | Jimmy Kimmel | 2020–present | Current primetime host |
| U.S. Syndication | Rita Ora | 2023–present | Current U.S. syndication host |
| U.S. Syndication (predecessor) | Cedric the Entertainer | 2013–2014 | Hosted the syndicated revival |
| UK Original | Chris Tarrant | 1998–2014 | Longest-serving UK host |
| UK Revival | Matt Edmondson | 2s–present (intermittent) | Host for recent UK revivals and specials |
| India (Hindi) | Amitabh Bachchan | 2000–2007, 2010 | Iconic host for the Indian franchise |
Host Selection and Format Factors
Who gets chosen to host Who Wants to Be a Millionaire varies by market and version. Producers typically look for trusted personalities who can balance excitement, empathy, and clarity when contestants face high-stakes questions. In syndication, hosts with broad recognition and cross-demographic appeal—such as Rita Ora—are often selected to attract advertisers and local viewers. In prestige or primetime settings, hosts like Jimmy Kimmel leverage existing audiences and brand continuity. Regional and celebrity editions may prioritize local familiarity or star power over format familiarity, allowing the show to remain flexible across platforms.
How to Identify the Correct Host for Your Market
Because versions differ by country and platform, it helps to confirm which iteration you're referring to. When people ask who wants to be a millionaire current host, they are usually referencing either the U.S. syndicated version (Rita Ora), the U.S. primetime revival (Jimmy Kimmel), or the UK format (Matt Edmondson in recent years). If you're outside the U.S. or UK, check the local network's official announcement for the active presenter. The show's flexible format means multiple hosts can be correct depending on geography and channel.
Future Hosting Plans and Trends
While no long-term contracts are publicly disclosed, producers tend to retain hosts who deliver stable ratings and audience trust. Rita Ora's syndicated run and Jimmy Kimmel's primetime slot suggest continuity for the near term. International markets often refresh hosts periodically to align with local tastes and advertising goals. As streaming and digital extensions grow, we may see new presentation formats and co-host arrangements, but for linear TV, the established hosts remain central to the brand's recognition.