Eric Cunningham will be a contestant in the “Millionaire” hot seat on Tuesday, September 9 and Wednesday, September 10, 2008.

Locally, “Millionaire” can be seen in Roanoke, VA on WDBJ7 (CBS), weekdays at 10:30 a.m.

Eric is originally from Southwest Roanoke County. He currently lives in Brooklyn, and works in New York City as a Production Associate on VH1’s “Best Week Ever,” which highlights funny things that happen each week on TV. Not only does he have to worry about doing well on “Millionaire,” but he also has to worry about doing something stupid on the show, that his co-workers might use on “Best Week Ever!”

Eric is a 2002 graduate of Cave Spring High School and is the son of John and Dora Cunningham. Eric’s mother came to New York and sat in the “Millionaire” audience as his on-air companion for the show.

Eric’s mom has a nickname for him – “Hormiguita” – which is Spanish for “little ant.” He got the nickname because every time he comes home for a visit, he ends up leaving with items from the house – like a blender, spare bed sheets, or whatever items he may need …. just like a little ant, collecting things!

During a visit to Mexico last year, Eric’s grandfather gave him his watch that he’d owned for over 40 years. Eric wore the watch while in the hot seat, in honor of his grandfather, who recently passed away.

Eric said that if he won big on “Millionaire,” he would plan and pay for a family reunion. He is the son of immigrants. His mom is from Mexico and his dad is from Ireland and the two extended families have never met. He would love to bring everyone together in his hometown of Roanoke!

The 7th season of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” with host Meredith Vieira, premiered on Monday, September 8. Several format changes will be featured this season, including:

* NEW Feature, “Clock on the Questions” -- Contestants will have 0:15 for each of the first five questions; 0:30 for the next five; 0:45 for the next five and can bank any left over time on the $1 million question. They can “stop the clock” choosing to use a lifeline or by giving an answer.

* NEW Lifeline, “Ask The Expert” Via Skype -- Contestants can ask an “expert” via a live face-to-face Skype video call. Bill Nye The Science Guy will serve as the “expert” for shows airing 09/08 – 09/12!

* NEW Lifeline, “Double Dip” -- Replacing the “50-50” lifeline, contestants can take two guesses on any question.

* NEW Feature, “Millionaire Menu” -- Categories of the contestant’s 15 questions will be revealed ahead of time to both the contestant and the home audience.

* NEW Feature, “Phone A Friend” Graphics -- Photos, names and hometowns of contestant’s three “Phone-a-Friend” candidates appear on screen when the “PAF” lifeline is selected.

“Millionaire has been both made over and restored this season,” says Michael Davies, executive producer. “We have looked at every element of the show – the music, the graphics, the questions, the contestants, the lifelines and the overall gameplay – and figured out how to make them stronger, more contemporary, more relatable and more exciting to the viewer. We’ve held on to all of the fundamental elements that people love about the brand – but have built on that, to create the same level of emotion, drama and visual innovation that characterized the introduction of “Millionaire” to the U.S. in 1999.”

Photos Courtesy of Valleycrest Productions Ltd.

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