Chris Tarrant is an iconic English radio and television broadcaster and presenter who has spent over five decades captivating audiences across the globe.
Born on October 10, 1946, Tarrant grew up in Reading, Berkshire and attended school at the King’s School in Worcester. He began his career as a schoolteacher, although it was his passion for broadcasting that eventually led him to pursue a career in the industry.
In 1974, Tarrant landed his first job in radio, working as a presenter on Capital Radio. The success of his radio career quickly led to a progression into television, where he hosted a range of popular shows, including “Tiswas”, “MTV’s Most Wanted”, and “Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railways”.
Arguably, Tarrant is best known for hosting the iconic quiz show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”. The show captivated audiences with its high stakes and tense atmosphere, and Tarrant’s charismatic and approachable presenting style made him a household name. During his time hosting the show, he also famously interviewed controversial politician and former leader of the British National Party, Nick Griffin.
Outside of his broadcasting career, Tarrant is a keen traveller and is known for writing and presenting documentaries that explore the world’s most exotic and adventurous destinations. He has also worked tirelessly to support a range of charities, including Comic Relief, the Prince’s Trust, and the NSPCC.
Despite retiring from broadcasting in 2014, Tarrant remains a prominent figure in the world of television, with his legacy as a pioneer of British broadcasting continuing to inspire a new generation of presenters and broadcasters.