Mr and Mrs Ingram deny the charges

Major Charles Ingram seemingly rode the rollercoaster of the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? hot seat and won, before having the prize snatched from him.

Programme-makers Celador felt there was something suspicious about the win and informed the police, withholding the �1m cheque.

Standing trial accused of using an accomplice's coughs to reach the top prize, Mr Ingram described his experience since the show.

He said he and his wife Diana, who is also accused "procuring a valuable security by deception" on 10 September 2001, were thoroughly searched as they left the studio.

Mr Ingram said programme staff pretended such a procedure was normal in the case of big winners.

No hoax

But he said they looked at his hair and had to empty all of his pockets and take off his shoes.

He said the next sign something might be amiss was a call from a programme executive who told him that "due to irregularities" his first night on the show would not be screened as scheduled.

We have had people driving past shouting "cheat" as we were eating meals in the garden Major Charles Ingram

"I thought it was because of September 11," he told the court.

But some days later he received another call, and this time he was informed that "due to suspicions of cheating... the case had been taken to the police".

Despite his "surprise", the major said he felt it was not really a problem and would soon "blow over".

"I was very confident it would be resolved very quickly," he said. "In fact we did think it might be a hoax."

The lead up to the trial has been difficult to handle for the Royal Engineers officer.

"It has been extremely difficult living with this," he said.

"I am not wishing to exaggerate it, but we have had our cat at the front of the house shot at.

"We have had people driving past shouting "cheat" as we were eating meals in the garden.

"I have had my car vandalised... it has been absolutely horrendous."

Emotions high

He said he had had to take medication for a year after the allegations were made.

Facing the court Mr Ingram, who had earlier told the jury he did not like to display his emotions in public, fought back tears.

With his chin trembling noticeably, he struggled to speak.

Asked if he was able to continue giving evidence, he replied: "I don't like the sensitive bits... but I'm happy to hang on."

Later his barrister asked him whether, in the event of an acquittal by the jury, he thought he would receive the �1m.

"Absolutely not. I fully expect to go to the civil court," he said.