The Secret Millionaire: Paul Williams Takes Son Ben Williams Along!
Ever dreamt of having more money than you knew how to spend? Whose life would you transform with the money if you had the opportunity?
Each week, in this new five part series from the makers behind the multi-award-winning Faking It and Wife Swap , a different multi-millionaire searches for people whose lives he or she can change for the better. Each of our modern-day philanthropists must guarantee to give away tens of thousands of pounds of their own money. For ten days, the millionaires leave their wealthy lifestyle behind and go undercover to live in some of the UK’s toughest areas. They conceal their true identities and immerse themselves in communities with the aim of finding those people that they think deserve their help. On the last day of their visit, they reveal their secret and write their cheques.
Paul Williams started in business 25 years ago. He’s now worth £60 million and lives in a country mansion on the richest private estate in England. But for 10 days, Paul has agreed to say goodbye to his millionaire lifestyle and live undercover as part of the community on the Thorntree estate, Middlesbrough, one of the poorest areas in Britain. He wants to make a difference in people’s lives and give away some of his fortune. “When you’ve got a lot of money and wealth you do feel a little bit guilty. So one of the things for me, giving money away does, is to alleviate that guilt to some extent. It makes me feel better, it makes me feel I’m doing something and that I’m dealing with my wealth responsibly.”
But he’s not going to Middlesbrough alone. Tonight, The Secret Millionaire has decided to take his 20-year-old son Ben with him.
As a self made man, Paul tried to give Ben everything he himself didn’t have as a youngster. But now he feels it’s time to teach his son about financial responsibility and is hoping to show him what life is like without the finer things. “What I want Ben to learn from this is just what a lucky young man he is and how much he’s really got and what a privileged position he has in life”.
So father and son head north for Middlesborough to see how the other half lives. On the Thorntree estate nearly 60% of the residents aren’t working, over half the children leave school without any qualifications at all and the crime rate is 50% higher than the national average. On arrival at their new home, Paul and Ben are greeted by a local with the words “You don’t wanna live round here mate…. it’s full of heroin addicts mate, you’ll be burgled in a day”. Noticeably shocked but determined to continue their quest, Ben starts work as a volunteer in the local homeless shelter and Paul starts his search for businesses and people to invest in.
Just how easy will it be for Ben when he comes face to face with the harsh reality of drug addiction and poverty? And will Paul find anyone he believes to be worthy of some of his money? After an emotional visit, the pair finally reveal their identities and the true purpose of their stay. But how will the locals react?
The Secret Millionaire airs on Channel 4 on the 20/12/2006 at 21:00
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December 20th, 2006 at 11:59 pm
Paul Williams-what a decent guy. I wish other reality shows would have such an impact on all concerned. i.e. his own son, the people Paul met and became friends with and us the viewing audience whom could relate to Paul, as a father trying to do his best for his ‘rich’ son Ben.Who seemed a level headed son whom Paul is rightly proud of.
It’s the first time I,ve seen an episode of the programme. It won,t be the last!!!
December 21st, 2006 at 3:08 am
What a great idea for Paul to take his ‘privileged’ but charming son Ben with him as the programme showed what a great father and son combination they really were. Their interaction with each other was as good to watch as their involvement with the people they wanted to help. Together it seemed they gained as much from the whole experience as those they were able to help financially.
December 21st, 2006 at 4:30 pm
Dear Paul & Ben
what a fantastic pair of guys you both are. Hope other people follow your lead too, ‘By Example You Lead’ Hope you and your family Have a great Christmas and fantastic 2007.
Paul
Aldershot Hampshire
December 21st, 2006 at 4:42 pm
hats off to paul and ben, as a 37 year old male it takes a really harsh programme to upset me,but this episode did ,just showing how father and son from a wealthy backround could mingle in with less well off people make friends with them and interact,,paul and ben you have proved there are not just hard faced business men out there,,but ordinary guys going out of their way to help others
December 22nd, 2006 at 5:43 pm
As everyone else has said, I found this episode both touching and thought provoking… but what was the track played right at the end of the episode when they gave the 10k cheque to the lunch club ladies? It starts of with a piano intro, and then the lyrics ‘lets make amends….’. Any suggestions would be very gratefully received!
December 24th, 2006 at 2:05 pm
Hi Paul
The inspiration & life changing effect the program has had on myself is so inspiring & close to my own heart.
Both Phyliss & Eileen would of been very proud of you both.
January 27th, 2007 at 2:52 am
he has done so well. why cant more of us. would be good to have someone behind you to move so well and grow. he needs to do a web page with some items for people who have no money and responsibilites. that hopefully would help them!
February 12th, 2007 at 11:40 pm
i thought bez was only on big brother, but he was on some channel 4 program about people splashing their money around tp look big on tv,
now come on put those paul william pics up, we can all chuckle
February 13th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
where if possible can this episode be perchased/dowloaded/borowed.
It genuinley warmed my heart to see such passion, sincerity and paul and ben’s ability to help our fellow man made me ashamed of the selfish, one Dimentional life i have lead. I now take part in community theatre work and would like to thank channel 4 for such an incitful programme and also thank Paul and Ben for taking part.
Oh, any chance of a couple of grand Paul….only kidding, love you guys
March 25th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
After watching this programme it has really opened my eyes. Paul is a great man and he will be forever remembered by the people he helped and he should be proud of himself. I know the feeling to help people who are less privilaged than me and most of us dont do that enough.
Paul and Ben these people will never forget you and you will always be a story that will inspire others to help like you have. Everyone wants to be a millionaire but you and Ben deserve it. Good luck to you both and i hope you can still help these friends that you now have.
March 25th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
Dear Paul and Ben,
I was really touched by this episode. You seem like two really lovely and well grounded people. Learning comes through experience and understanding of others - something books don’t teach you and you have learnt so much from it. It is so nice that Ben got to experience what so many people don’t get to see. Having worked in a homeless hostel myself for 5 years, I have seen what life is like for the homeless and can really appreciate how lucky I am. Well done to you both anyway for touching the lives of others…
January 4th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
I have just found this site today so I had to comment on Paul & Ben. I think this edition was one of the best one’s shown and these two men were wonderful.Also Ben was a credit to his father and got on well with everyone and understood their plight. He also knew how lucky he was to have such a superb caring dad and the life he leads. Gentlemen you were so sincere you touched my heart, bless you both.
February 5th, 2008 at 4:50 am
can some help me so that i may help others in turn please
February 14th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
i want to know how i can join the secret millionaire.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Paul
I was guided to watch your episode on pay TV this week (October 2008). Your soul showed me what a special person you are. Your eyes and your smile said it all. Your true intentions really shone through and to take your son on such an amazing life growth is truely inspirational. The biggest gift you actually gave was yourself. The financial gifts were just a bonus. Your nature goes beyond your finances and the softness and humilty that I felt from you was awe inspiring. I trust your good intentions and that of your son continue. In light, love and blessings. Gaye, Orange NSW Australia