Bradley Walsh speaks out after revealing live on air new quiz show was a hoax

He published a statement on social media.

The programme was advertised to viewers as a unique quiz show format that would see contestants risk their own savings for a chance at winning £1 million.

However, in truth, the show turned out to be a secret demonstration of the impacts of gambling, aimed as a warning of the dangers posed by the gambling industry.

The production was orchestrated to show how easy it is to draw people into losing great sums of money while gambling.

Channel 4's promotion for the programme was subtle, simply promising viewers  "one huge secret twist."

The programme focused in one one contestant named Reece, later revealed to be an actor, who ended up spending £6,000 via his own card, despite initially setting a spending limit of £1,700 at the start.

Reece would go on to depart the stage in tears, prompting a strong reaction from audience members.

Finally after an ad break, Walsh would reveal that none of the show, or money lost was real. And the remainder of the programme was spent in discusson regarding gambling industry practices.

Following the end of the production, Walsh took to social media to make the following statement.

"Thank you to everyone who tuned in to watch Million Pound Shot tonight. I know it was a bit of a shock at first, but this is a vital subject, and that’s exactly why I wanted to do it," he said.

"A huge thanks to the incredible experts and gambling harm charities who helped shape the show, and to Patrick and Charlotte for so bravely sharing their stories.

"I hope everyone who watched is feeling okay, and has come away knowing a bit more about the techniques of the gambling industry.

"If you’ve been affected by anything in the programme, support is out there such as the wonderful Gambling Harm UK and Gambling with Lives can help."