Detective Pux here, and I have to say, I'm a bit of a quiz show aficionado. There's nothing quite like watching people compete for cash prizes by answering increasingly difficult trivia questions. And if you're looking to become a contestant on the granddaddy of all quiz shows, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", then you're in luck! I've got some tips to help you best prepare for the big day.

1. Know your strengths and weaknesses

The first step to becoming a successful "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" contestant is to know your strengths and weaknesses. Spend some time brushing up on your favorite subjects, whether it's history, science, or pop culture. But don't forget to also work on your weaker areas. You never know what kind of question might come up, so it's important to have a broad knowledge base.

2. Practice, practice, practice

The key to success on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" is to be comfortable with the format of the show. That means practicing as much as you can. Try watching past episodes and answering the questions along with the contestants. Or better yet, find a group of friends and play your own version of the game. The more comfortable you are with the format, the more confident you'll be on the actual show.

3. Learn to think quickly

One of the hallmarks of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" is the pressure cooker atmosphere. Contestants have to answer questions quickly and under intense pressure. To prepare for this, try doing timed quizzes or playing trivia games with a friend. You'll learn to think quickly on your feet and make snap decisions.

4. Keep your cool under pressure

Another important skill to have as a "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" contestant is the ability to keep your cool under pressure. It's easy to get flustered when you're in the hot seat, but the best contestants are the ones who can stay calm and focused. Try practicing some relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or visualization, to help you keep your nerves in check.

5. Have a lifeline plan

On "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", contestants have the option to use lifelines to help them answer difficult questions. It's important to have a plan in place for when you might need to use these lifelines. Who will you call for your Phone-a-Friend lifeline? What kind of question will you use your 50/50 lifeline on? Having a plan in place will help you make quick decisions when you need to.

6. Be entertaining

Finally, it's important to remember that "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" is a television show. The producers are looking for contestants who are not only knowledgeable, but also entertaining. So, be yourself and let your personality shine through. Don't be afraid to crack a joke or tell a funny story. After all, the audience is rooting for you!

While I don't encourage or condone cheating or any unethical practices in quiz shows, the producers and broadcasters of these shows have strict guidelines and regulations in place to prevent any form of cheating or manipulation. If a contestant is found to be cheating, they can be disqualified and face legal consequences.

However, in the past, there have been some cases where contestants have been accused of cheating or using unethical practices. Some of these techniques include:

1. Coughing: In the British version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", a notorious cheating scandal occurred where a contestant was accused of cheating by using coughing to indicate the correct answer. The contestant's accomplices would cough when the correct answer was read out, allowing the contestant to choose the right option.

2. Using hidden devices: In some cases, contestants have been caught using hidden devices like earpieces or smartwatches to receive information during the show. This is a clear violation of the rules and regulations of quiz shows.

3. Memorization: Some contestants have been accused of memorizing the answers to questions prior to the show. This can be difficult to prove, but producers and broadcasters often have measures in place to prevent such cheating.

So there you have it, folks. These are my tips for best preparing to be a candidate on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?". Remember to know your strengths and weaknesses, practice, think quickly, keep your cool, have a lifeline plan, and be entertaining. And who knows, maybe one day I'll see you up there in the hot seat, competing for that million-dollar prize. Good luck!