The man who wrote the Who Wants to be a Millionaire? theme is accused of torching his £1million home.
Award-winning British composer Matthew Strachan, 49, is now facing trial after allegedly starting a fire at his West London house.
Strachan, 49, co-wrote the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? theme with his father and has also contributed music to programmes including BBC’s Question Time and Winning Lines.
He is said to have won twelve awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, ten of which were for the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? soundtrack.
Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court heard Strachan is charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
Matthew Strachan has been charged with arson (Image: Reach PLC)
He was granted unconditional bail to the same address in Twickenham, south west London, he is charged with starting a fire in.
It was said the case is too serious to be considered by Magistrates and has been sent to the Crown Court.
Prosecutor Suleman Hussain said: “The charges speak for themselves it’s a serious offence.”
Chair of the bench Richard Hay said: “We can’t deal with this matter at this court so we are going to send this for trial at Kingston Crown Court.”
Strachan wrote the Who Wants to be a Millionaire? theme (Image: PA)
Strachan, of Chudleigh Road, Twickenham, will next appear at Kingston Crown Court on November 5 to give a plea.
His theme was used on the programme from 1998 to 2007 – and again from 2018.
It also featured on the hit film Slumdog Millionaire.
Who Wants to be a Millionaire? hit headlines back in September when Donald Fear from Telford take home the £1m prize pot on the show.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
