The first celebrity contestant on the festive edition of the ITV quiz show was soon left red-faced after being caught out by a question.

In a Christmas celebrity special episode of ITV’s Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Jools Holland felt the ‘squeeze’ when asked a question the audience found seemingly obvious. On December 29, the pianist and TV presenter was the first contestant to answer general knowledge questions in an attempt to win a jackpot of up to £1 million for charity.

Presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Sunday night’s show had celebrity guests including EastEnders’ Nina Wadia and English Rugby Union player Ugo Monye. Despite having high hopes, Jools left with £16,000, after being totally stumped on a question surrounding a “non-specialist subject” of his, football.

After having previously come out on top when asked which Spice Girl’s maiden name was also the surname of two US Presidents (Adams), Jools came unstuck attempting the £32,000 question.

The musician was asked: “The ‘Football for Sale’ Investigation by the Telegraph newspaper led to the resignation of which England manager?”

With options including Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Sam Allardyce, Jools explained how he “remembered Sven having to leave”, despite being unable to recall why.

Jools Holland lost out to £32,000 on the ITV show (Image: ITV)

Eventually opting for Eriksson as his final answer, Clarkson announced that he was in fact wrong, with Sam Allardyce being the correct answer. Jools turned to the studio crowd and asked: “Did many people in the audience know that?”

A reply in unison said “Yes” to which he smiled and rolled his eyes. Clarkson replied “They always do. Literally always claim after the event.” This prompted an eruption of laughter.

Despite the blunder, Jools left the show having earned £16,000 for his chosen charity The Prince’s Trust and Caring Hands, while Wadia won £32k for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation before Monye took home £8k for Rescue Rugby.

Musician Jools Holland starred on the quiz show over the festive period (Image: Getty)

The millionaire-maker show is set to return for another series in 2025, delighting audiences with 16 new episodes.

There are also more celebrity specials set to appear on ITV this winter, where a host of familiar faces will attempt to win big money for their chosen charities.