ARMY Major Charles Ingram, who was arrested and questioned by detectives last week over an alleged deception to win £1 million on the TV programme Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, said he was pleased he and his wife had been able to tell their side of the story.

Major Ingram, of Easterton, near Devizes, said on Friday: "I cannot make any comment about what happened other than to say it was the first opportunity we had to put our side of the story which I am delighted to do.

"Our time will come when we can talk to you more freely but at the moment we are unable to."

Major Ingram won the programme's £1 million jackpot prize on September 10 but the programme's makers, Celador, failed to honour the cheque and called in police.

A spokesman said the programme makers became suspicious after hearing coughs in the audience and believe the coughs may have helped Major Ingram to answer the questions.

Major Ingram, 38, and his wife, Diana, 37, have always maintained their innocence.

They were arrested at their home last Thursday and questioned at Salisbury Police Station by detectives from the Metropolitan Police's special inquiry team.

A third person, Tecwen Whittock, 51, of Cardiff, was also arrested in connection with the probe.

Mr Whittock, who was another contestant on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire when Major Ingram won the £1 million, was questioned in Cardiff.

The Ingrams were released on police bail and ordered to report back to a police station in central London in December.

Mr Whittock was bailed to report back in February 2002.

Major Ingram, who is serving with the Royal Engineers at Upavon, was back at home on Friday.

He has issued a writ against Celador, and is suing them for £1 million plus interest and legal costs.

Earlier this year Mrs Ingram won £32,000 on the quiz show.

Major Ingram will be reporting back to Wiltshire Police on Tuesday in connection with alleged discrepancies concerning an insurance claim.

He made a claim of £30,000 for items said to have been taken during a burglary just a few weeks after he, his wife and their three daughters moved into their rented house in High Street, Easterton.

jcrooks@newswilts.co.uk