Cutting Edge

Jackpots and Jinxes: Lottery Stories (2011x1)

Air date: May 05, 2011

Since it started in 1994, the National Lottery has created over two and a half thousand new millionaires. This Cutting Edge film tells the story of a number of lottery winners and the moment their lives were suddenly turned upside down, revealing their extraordinary experiences and capturing their lifestyle today. Jackpots and Jinxes: Lottery Stories also enters the mysterious halls of Camelot to discover the inner workings of the organisation behind the lottery. The film makers gain insight into how Camelot manage the lucky ticket holders and their friends and family by filming with new winners before they decide to make their identities known. And they meet the staff - from the weights and measures man who calibrates the balls, to those taking the potential winners' calls, to the person who helps them to decide whether to keep their win a secret or go public with the news. Some of Britain's luckiest people open up about what it's really like when your fortune changes overnight; some revel in their newfound celebrity, whereas others find their win has caused surprising challenges and difficulties in their lives. As well as seeking to answer the questions all of us have when we imagine winning the lottery - what will you buy first, who would you give money to, would a lottery win really change your life? - this humorous and touching film also delves deeper into some of the best winners' stories to explore just how profoundly their lives have been altered. Mark Gardiner, who was one of the first lottery winners 16 years ago, is fully aware of the highs and lows of winning the jackpot and during the film, advises a winner who is struggling to come to terms with their sudden wealth. Five years ago, Tony won £2.2 million but soon after discovered the true cost of love when he divorced his wife and had to pay her almost half the money. Ray and Barbara Wragg won £7.6 million and have given nearly £6 million away to family, friends and charities - their win has