# BBC’s The Hit List Crowns Historic Father-and-Son Jackpot Winners
In a landmark moment for the BBC One music quiz show *The Hit List*, a father and son duo from Liverpool have become the first contestants in the show’s history to clinch the full £10,000 jackpot. After more than 250 pairs of hopefuls have taken to the stage since the series first aired, Paul, aged 61, and his son Tom, 26, have finally shattered the long-standing deadlock, accomplishing what had previously seemed impossible.
*The Hit List*, which is hosted by popular presenting couple Rochelle and Marvin Humes, tests music knowledge to the limit. Contestants are challenged to identify both song titles and artists quickly, with the tension mounting in the final round where prize money begins to fall after just five seconds of hesitation. Remarkably, Paul and Tom managed to recognise and name every single track in the high-stakes finale within that critical five-second window, securing the entire prize pot.
Their win comes at the launch of the show’s eighth series, which began airing this weekend. Since its 2019 debut, *The Hit List* has gained a strong following for its combination of quick-fire music trivia and competitive gameplay. Despite the vast number of skilled participants over the years, the full jackpot had previously remained out of reach—testament to the difficulty of the show’s endgame.
Speaking after their victory, Tom, who works as an events and marketing coordinator, shared his excitement and disbelief at the outcome. “We’ve been watching *The Hit List* for years, and this was actually our third attempt to get on the show. It really was a case of third time lucky for us,” he said. “We always knew we’d apply as a team, as the game rewards broad knowledge across all music eras. The teams we faced in our episode were really strong, so making it to the final was thrilling—and taking home the jackpot was the icing on the cake.”
The dynamic between Paul and Tom was clear for viewers to see, with host Marvin Humes noting their synergy. “After seven years, I’d started to wonder whether the full jackpot was even possible. But right from the start, Tom and Paul worked so seamlessly that you sensed this time might be different,” Marvin commented following the programme’s climactic episode.
Fans of the show may well agree that its unique format keeps contestants and viewers alike on their toes. With the ever-present risk of dwindling prize money and the pressure to react instantly to fleeting snatches of song, the final round of *The Hit List* offers a true test of musical recall and nerve. The rarity of a full jackpot win underscores just how challenging the game can be, making this father and son’s triumph all the more impressive.
Since their winning moment aired, social media has buzzed with admiration for Paul and Tom’s performance and for the new benchmark they have set on the show. Enthusiastic viewers are already speculating about future contestants following in their footsteps, now that the precedent has been established.
All episodes of *The Hit List* are available to watch on BBC iPlayer, meaning viewers can revisit the programme’s most memorable moments—including this record-breaking win. The show is expected to continue growing in popularity, buoyed by its compelling format and now, a headline-grabbing win.
As the eighth series continues, the pressure will no doubt be on for future contestants to match the impeccable speed and teamwork demonstrated by Paul and Tom. For now, though, the duo can bask in their well-earned victory, having written themselves into *The Hit List*’s history books as the first—after over 250 attempts—to finally hit the jackpot.