Joy Haythorne, a retired hairdresser from Southampton, has won Heart's Make Me A Millionaire 2026, taking home the £1 million prize – the biggest prize fund on UK radio. The emotional winner opened her safety deposit box with presenter Amanda Holden to find the words 'Heart Make Me A Millionaire', securing the life-changing sum.
Heart's Biggest Competition Returns
Heart launched the competition for another year, with ten contestants making it to the final. Joy was the fifth box of the morning, choosing number eight because it was her son's birthday. Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston hosted the event at Heart HQ, where confetti cannons marked the win.
Speaking after the win, Amanda Holden said: "All the listeners wanted you to win, it's like they manifested it for you." Joy, who lost her husband to illness and recently battled cancer herself, plans to use the money to help her family and support charities including Macmillan, Air Ambulance, and Cancer Research.
Joy's Dreams for the Cash
Before opening the box, Joy shared: "My million pound dream is to help my family, help my charities which are Macmillan, Air Ambulance and Cancer Research. As long as my children are all right and my charities, I will be a very happy lady." She also wants to thank friends and family for their support during her cancer journey.
Other Contestants Win £50,000 Each
The nine other finalists did not leave empty-handed, each receiving £50,000 deposited into their banks. Heart's Make Me A Millionaire 2026 has now concluded, but fans can catch up on the final moments online.
