Charles Ingram Biography: Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth & Career Facts (2025) in 2025

Charles Ingram is a British former army major, writer, and television personality, best known for his controversial appearance on the UK game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in 2001. His story has made headlines internationally, making him a notable figure in British pop culture and legal history. Ingram’s career, personal life, and subsequent media attention have kept him in the public eye for over two decades.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Charles William Ingram
Profession / Occupation	Former Army Major, Writer, TV Personality
Birth Date	August 6, 1963
Age	62 (as of 2025)
Birth Place	Shropshire, England, United Kingdom
Nationality	British
Famous For	“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” scandal
Known For	Game show appearance, legal battles, media coverage
Ethnicity	White British
Zodiac Sign	Leo
Height & Weight	6 ft 1 in (185 cm), approx. 80 kg (176 lbs)
Hair Color	Brown
Eye Color	Blue
Education	Portsmouth Polytechnic (now University of Portsmouth)
Religion	Christianity
Marital Status/Spouse	Married to Diana Ingram
Relationship	N/A (Married)
Children	Three
Relatives	Diana Ingram (wife), Adrian Pollock (brother-in-law)
Hobbies	Writing, DIY, Walking
Employer/Organization	British Army (former), Freelance Writer
Years Active	1986–present
Net Worth (Estimated)	£200,000 (approx. $250,000 USD)

Early Life & Education

Charles Ingram was born on August 6, 1963, in Shropshire, England. Raised in a middle-class British family, he developed an early interest in engineering and problem-solving. Ingram attended local schools before enrolling at Portsmouth Polytechnic, where he studied civil engineering. His academic performance and leadership skills led him to join the British Army after graduation, setting the stage for his future career.

Career Journey

Beginnings in the British Army

Ingram started his professional journey as a commissioned officer in the British Army in 1986. He served in various engineering and leadership roles, eventually reaching the rank of Major. His military career was marked by dedication and discipline.

Rise to Notoriety: The Millionaire Scandal

Charles Ingram became a household name in 2001 when he appeared on the UK version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? He won the show’s top prize, but his victory was soon questioned due to suspicions of cheating involving his wife, Diana, and another contestant, Tecwen Whittock. The infamous “coughing scandal” led to a high-profile court case and widespread media coverage.

Media & Writing Career

Authored several novels and memoirs, including The Network and Deep Siege.
Frequent guest on British talk shows and documentaries.
Subject of the acclaimed ITV drama Quiz (2020), which reignited public interest in his story.

Recent Activities & Current Position

Continues to write fiction and non-fiction books.
Occasional appearances at literary festivals and on podcasts.
Active in online discussions about game show fairness and media ethics.

Personal Life

Charles Ingram is married to Diana Ingram, who was also involved in the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? controversy. The couple has three children and resides in Somerset, England. Ingram enjoys writing, DIY projects, and countryside walks. Despite public scrutiny, the Ingrams have maintained a close-knit family life, often supporting each other in media interviews and public appearances.

Awards & Achievements

Recipient of British Army service medals.
Author of multiple published books.
Subject of major TV adaptations and documentaries.

Physical Statistics

Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight: Approx. 80 kg (176 lbs)
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Build: Average

Quotes

“I have always maintained my innocence and will continue to do so.”

“The truth is often more complicated than it appears on television.”

“Adversity can teach you more about yourself than success ever will.”

Controversies

Charles Ingram is best known for his involvement in the 2001 “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” cheating scandal. He, along with his wife and Tecwen Whittock, was accused of using covert coughing signals to win the £1 million prize. The trio was found guilty of deception in 2003, resulting in suspended prison sentences and significant public backlash. The case remains one of the most discussed controversies in British television history, sparking debates about game show security and media ethics.

Favorites

Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
TV Show: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (despite the controversy)
Hobby: DIY projects, countryside walking
Food: Classic British roast
Music: Classic rock

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2025, Charles Ingram’s estimated net worth is around £200,000 (approx. $250,000 USD). His income sources include book royalties, media appearances, and public speaking engagements. While he did not retain the game show winnings, his notoriety has provided ongoing opportunities in writing and television. Industry sources suggest that former TV personalities in the UK with similar public profiles can earn between £20,000–£50,000 annually from media and book-related activities.

Interesting Facts

Ingram’s story inspired multiple documentaries and the ITV miniseries Quiz.
He has a passion for repairing and restoring old houses.
Despite the scandal, Ingram maintains a loyal fan base and regularly interacts with supporters online.
He once considered launching a podcast about media fairness and public perception.
Ingram has been the subject of several academic studies on media ethics.

Social Media Links

Twitter/X: @CharlesIngramUK
Instagram: @charlesingram
LinkedIn: Charles Ingram
Official Website: charlesingram.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Charles Ingram in 2025?
Charles Ingram is 62 years old as of 2025.
What is Charles Ingram’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around £200,000 (approx. $250,000 USD).
Who is Charles Ingram’s wife?
He is married to Diana Ingram, who was also involved in the game show scandal.
What is Charles Ingram most famous for?
He is best known for the “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” coughing scandal in 2001.
What books has Charles Ingram written?
He has authored several novels and memoirs, including The Network and Deep Siege.
Is Charles Ingram still active in media?
Yes, he continues to write and occasionally appears on TV and podcasts.

Conclusion

Charles Ingram’s life is a compelling blend of military service, media controversy, and literary achievement. His journey from British Army major to a central figure in one of the UK’s most famous game show scandals has made him a subject of ongoing public fascination. Whether viewed as a controversial figure or a misunderstood personality, Ingram’s story continues to spark debate and intrigue. Share this biography if you found it insightful!

Sources: BBC, The Guardian, ITV, The Independent, The Times, Wikipedia, official interviews.