John Barnes blames the audience for his loss on 'Celebrity Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?'

John Barnes

John Barnes

The 56-year-old former footballer took part in the ITV special episode on Sunday night (12.04.20), but was sent home with just £1,000 after asking for the audience's help with a question.

The former Liverpool player joked the studio audience were getting their own back following the football rivalry between Manchester and Liverpool as the ITV show is filmed at the Dock10 studios in Greater Manchester.

He told RadioTimes.com: "I blame the audience! You go on 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' and expect to win at least £250,000, and that's why I blame the audience in Manchester, because they know I'm from Liverpool and they're probably Man United fans, so they wanted me to get it wrong."

A host of famous faces - including Charlotte Church and Richard Osman - joined presenter Jeremy Clarkson on the show to raise money for their chosen charities.

Though the other stars managed to take home £36,000, John was just happy to take part and would consider another run at the prize money.

He said: "I would do it again! It was a fun thing to do and of course we all think we know everything in the world with general knowledge.

"I was just so disappointed with that question but you can't go against the audience.

"I'm not a nervous person. Even when I play football, I've always thought it doesn't matter if there's 100 people watching or 100,000 - you still have to do what you do. I always say don't play the occasion, play the game.

"So if I'm playing a quiz game at home with the kids, and I know the answers or I don't know them, what difference does it make if I'm playing in front of 5 million people on TV."