The Secret Millionaire - TV review

After eight series on our screens, surely this riches to rags tale of the clandestine cash cow has become the worst-kept secret in the UK.

But regardless of whether or not this format could soon become a victim of its own success, after six years on our screens it still manages to make you feel like you've been dragged through the emotional wrangler – and last night's offering was no exception.

Secret Millionaire charts the journey of a wealthy individual who goes incognito in a deprived area looking to bestow their riches. After spending time with their new community, the financier then decides who is most deserving of their hard-earned cash. Cue lots of soul searching, tears and in last night's case . . . a hijacking.

Monaco-based David King, who has a string of worldwide hit theatre shows under his belt and an estimated fortune of more than £10 million, was dispatched to south Leeds under the thinly-veiled guise of researching a new musical.

Prior to his journey up north we were given a glimpse into what the 62-year-old described as a 'normal life'. Well, yes, if normal is sitting in your salubrious mansion playing the piano while your 30-something chorus line girlfriend tap dances in a room full of mirrors.

And then there was the farewell snog. . . the less said the better.

David did little to endear himself to the viewers when he arrived in Yorkshire, describing his living accommodation as a dump to which he mused: "I'm just too expensive to be doing this". (I've lived in worse student accommodation).

No matter, the millionaire was soon brought down to earth with a bang when he got chatting to a few of the locals. One particular gentleman, who'd been stabbed five times, warned: "Any sign of weakness, and they'll 'av ya!"

He did little to heed their advice, and just a few days later while taking a late-night nap in the front of an unlocked car, the vehicle was stolen with him still sitting in the front seat. He emerged unscathed, describing himself as 'the luckiest man alive'. How fitting that wherever a theatre producer travels, drama will follow.

It was only when he met the inspiring people who devote endless hours to the community that David was truly humbled. First up was Yvonne, who has run the Cardinal Youth Group for the last ten years despite suffering with a serious illness.

So touched by Yvonne's devotion to the youngsters that he handed her a cheque for £17,000. David also parted with £10,000 to the Dazl community dance charity, led by the tireless Ian who puts on endless shows to raise cash for the group.

And finally 70-year-old Harry Clements who, after suffering three heart attacks, has raised £100,000 in two decades for St James's Hospital. This held particular resonance with David as his own father, with whom he had a troubled relationship, died of heart disease while the two weren't on speaking terms.

Harry's tale forced David to exorcise a few demons, and after helping raise cash for the hospital by dressing up and singing 'Roll Out the Barrel', the millionaire handed over a cheque for £25,000 to which a tearful Harry replied: "If your dad knew now what you did today, he would be so proud of you."

The reason this show strikes at the heart of deep-rooted emotion is because of its polar opposites as great wealth and influence meet true poverty and despair. And when both worlds collide with such positive consequences, it ensures there's not a dry eye left in the house … yes, I cried at the end.