BRITAIN: The Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? trial was restarted yesterday after a juror fell ill.
The development, three days after the case opened, came just before the first prosecution witness was due to give evidence against an army major accused of "cheating his way" to the show's top prize with the help of his wife and a college lecturer.
Mr Charles Ingram (39) and his nursery nurse wife, Diana (38), both of High Street, Easterton, Wiltshire, and college business studies head Mr Tecwen Whittock, of Heol-y-Gors, Whitchurch, Cardiff, each deny an allegation of "procuring a valuable security by deception".
It is claimed they deceived game show host Chris Tarrant into signing a £1 million cheque on September 10th, 2001.
Problems with the trial at London's Southwark Crown Court first arose yesterday when one of the jurors trying the case became unwell at home.
After he arrived at court and following extensive legal discussion, it was decided that Mr Nicholas Hilliard, prosecuting, should conclude his opening.
But this morning, following further consideration of the situation, it was decided to start afresh.
After 10 of the old jurors were selected to help form a new panel of eight women and four men, Mr Hilliard began his opening with an apology.
"Ten of you, I'm aware, have already heard what I am about to say.
"To the 10 of you, I can only say what the teacher says before they administer a punishment: 'this is going to hurt me as much as it hurts you'," he said. - (PA)