Watching contestants on the latest series of The Traitors discuss how they’d spend the prize money if they won, to me it felt like a dismal sign of the times when a handful mentioned ‘trying’ to get on the housing ladder. Only a few decades ago, gameshow contestants readily talked about paying off their mortgages – apparently now the goal is merely to get one. This shift feels symptomatic of a broader societal issue, one neatly illustrated by the surging popularity of Omaze and its “Million Pound House” prize draws. To be clear, while it does raise money for charity, Omaze is very much a for-profit company. But perhaps the worst thing about Omaze is how creepingly seductive it all is.

Source: The Times February 03, 2026 08:27 UTC