Chris Tarrant "couldn't care less" about the revamped 'Who Want To Be A Millionaire?'

Chris Tarrant

Chris Tarrant

The former presenter of the popular ITV quiz show was snubbed as host for its revival - with Jeremy Clarkson over in the hot seat - but insists he has no bitterness because he doesn't think it can match the "buzz" of the original.

He told the Daily Star newspaper: "I genuinely couldn't care less. I wouldn't have wanted to do it again. They had to get someone very different from me, so Clarkson's probably not a bad shout.

"But what they'll never have is the great buzz we had, particularly in our first year. That was an amazing time."

Chris, 72, presented the show from 1998 to 2014, and he revealed he was on holiday when Jeremy, 58, first took over for a run of specials last year.

He said: "I was in France, fishing. And no, not to get away from it, that's just where I happened to be."

The star - who admitted he watched 'Luther' instead of the revival last week - previously admitted he would've "politely turned down" an offer to return to the show had he been asked.

His spokesperson previously said: "Chris thought the programme had run its course.

"He wasn't approached but if he was, he would have politely turned it down. Chris is delighted it's back and wishes it well."

The latest series kicked off on New Year's Day (01.01.19), and new host Jeremy recently revealed he had to learn to be nicer to contestants.

He said: "I'm told I've been nicer to the contestants, but last year there were some very stupid contestants who didn't warrant any niceness.

"This time they've been - by and large, with one or two exceptions - sparky and on-it and bright and deserving of a place in the chair."