Eddie finally writes out the $1m cheque

Who wants to be a Millionaire host Eddie McGuire has finally given away his first million dollars - six years after the popular show started.

The winning episode will screen in New Zealand during the next two weeks on Prime.

McGuire said he was thrilled to finally give away the top prize and admitted that he had a recurring nightmare, that he quit the show only for his replacement to give the million away on his first night.

Tomorrow night, Brian McDonnell, a 50-year-old media studies lecturer at Massey University in Auckland, will take his place in the Millionaire hot seat.

"When I see people having their lives turned around by the Millionaire experience, it provides an excellent stimulus to have a go," Mr McDonnell said.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY