A contestant on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? has stunned viewers after making a high-stakes gamble that cost her a massive £186,000.

Host Jeremy Clarkson was left visibly shocked as contestant Jen Essery Lillikakis became the second-biggest loser in the show’s history during the latest episode.

Jen, a product manager from Stratford, had been playing a strong game as she worked her way up the prize ladder, aiming to fund an exotic honeymoon with her husband, Kyri.

After confidently answering early questions, she secured a safety net of £64,000 — correctly identifying the ukulele as the instrument most closely associated with Hawaii.

She then pushed forward, using her lifelines strategically to reach the £250,000 mark.

The Question That Changed Everything

Things took a dramatic turn at the £500,000 question:

“According to Guinness World Records, which of these has travelled at over 260 miles per hour during a competitive game or match?”

  • Tennis ball
  • Ice hockey puck
  • Badminton shuttlecock
  • Table tennis ball

With only one lifeline remaining — Phone a Friend — Jen called her father, but he was unable to help.

At that point, Clarkson issued a clear warning.

“You are now completely on your own… If you get this wrong, you lose £186,000.”

She had the option to walk away with £250,000 — but instead chose to take the risk.

A Costly Gamble

After weighing her options, Jen locked in ice hockey puck — a choice that turned out to be incorrect.

The correct answer was badminton shuttlecock.

Clarkson reacted immediately, saying:
“Oh my god, you have just lost £186,000! It is unbelievable you took a punt on that.”

Despite the huge loss, Jen remained composed.

“Well, that’s fine. I have won £64,000,” she responded.

Second Biggest Loss in Show History

The decision means Jen now holds the title of the second-biggest loser in the show’s history.

The only contestant to lose more was Nicholas Bennett, who famously missed the £1 million question and dropped £375,000.

Fans React

Viewers quickly took to social media, with many admitting they would have made the same mistake.

Some said they were “staggered” by the correct answer, while others questioned why she didn’t walk away with the guaranteed £250,000.

Even Clarkson later admitted online that he too would have chosen the wrong answer.