The BBC killed off Victor Meldrew last night. But rivals ITV were hosting the wake as millions of viewers watched Judith Keppel - a former convent girl, distant relative of Camilla Parker Bowles and one-time bereavement counsellor - break a 122-show deadlock to win the jackpot on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Never having gambled before, Ms Keppel (58), plainly wanted to be a gambler last night. As the roar of celebrations normally reserved for Wembley Cup finals subsided, the mother of three confirmed that she had telephoned the popular quiz show 50 times in an effort to secure a place in front of the cameras and of the inquisitor himself, Chris Tarrant.
As news of Ms Keppel's famous win leaked out in advance of last night's screening, experts on the aristocracy confirmed that the Fulham garden designer was the great granddaughter of Alice Keppel - mistress of the then Prince of Wales and the future King Edward VII - and that she was a third cousin of the constant companion of the present heir to the throne.
Her distinguished lineage stood her in good stead as she considered the final £1 million poser: `Which King was married to Eleanor of Aquitaine?'
Ms Keppel had reached £16,000 when the show closed on Saturday night. Twenty four hours later, during Sunday's recording, she had to endure a commercial break before learning if her answer, Henry II, was correct.
Both quiz host and winner were quick to dispel any notion that Mrs Keppel might be already loaded. "She hasn't got pots of money," he informed journalists at a press conference.
And the winner herself - while admitting she obviously was not on the breadline - won hearts with her unashamed admission that she was looking forward to spending her winnings.
"Christmas is coming. It's going to be lovely buying presents," she said, indicating that tigers in the wild might also benefit.