Nearly 25 years after she made history on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Judith Keppel is reflecting on the life-changing day she became the UK’s first winner of the £1 million jackpot.
At 83, the quiz legend is still treasuring her winnings — and revealing exactly how she put the money to work.
The Million Pound Question That Changed Everything
It was November 20, 2000, when Judith famously answered the £1 million question: “Which king was married to Eleanor of Aquitaine?” The correct response, King Henry II, secured her place in television history.
Judith recalls a spooky premonition: two months before filming, she visited a quiet abbey church in France and saw four empty tombs — Eleanor’s and Henry II’s among them.
“It was quite eerie,” she says. That encounter would later give her the winning answer.
Smart Choices Over Flashy Spending
Rather than splurging on a Lamborghini or lavish luxuries, Judith approached the prize with care.
“I regarded it entirely that it should be invested and produce an income,” she told The Times.
Still, she allowed herself a few memorable treats. She took her daughter Rosie on a holiday to India to see tigers and donated a Jeep to a wildlife charity.
Beyond that, she entrusted the bulk of her winnings to a finance manager, investing in stocks and shares, which continues to generate a steady income through dividends and interest.
The Road to Becoming a Contestant
Judith admits her path to appearing on the show wasn’t simple.
Having separated from her husband Neil, the mother-of-three spent about £100 repeatedly calling the contestant line to secure a spot.
“I remember targeting one particular day and dialling over and over again.
BT even rang me to ask if I realised my telephone bills were rising,” she laughed.
A Lifeline When It Was Needed
Although she wasn’t destitute at the time, the prize brought her peace of mind.
“It made a huge difference to me. I wasn’t completely skint but I was a bit worried about money, so I just felt this huge amount of relief,” she admitted.
Looking back, she considers her million pounds as a wonderful pension pot rather than a flashy toy.
A Historic UK First and Royal Connection
Judith remains the UK’s only female winner of the show.
Adding a touch of royalty to her story, she is also a distant cousin of Queen Camilla.
She returned to the show in 2003 for a winners special, joining forces with footballer David Seaman to raise £32,000 for charity, proving her passion for giving back hasn’t dimmed over the years.
Legacy of a Quiz Legend
For Judith Keppel, the win was more than just money.
It was a moment of history, a personal triumph, and an opportunity to secure her family’s future.
Her story continues to inspire quiz fans and aspiring contestants across the UK as the 25th anniversary of her win approaches.