Lottery winner becomes third biggest ever after £177million jackpot - making them richer than Dua Lipa and Michael Buble combined

A UK ticket-holder has become the third biggest National Lottery winner of all time after receiving a £177million jackpot.

The single ticket-holder, who has chosen to remain anonymous, came forward to claim the EuroMillions jackpot after the draw on Tuesday November 26.

National Lottery operator Allwyn confirmed on Tuesday that they had handed a whopping £177,033,699.20 to the winner.

They are now wealthier than the combined net worths of Dua Lipa, who is worth an estimated £104 million, and Michael Buble, worth around £63 million.

The lucky person is also wealthier than Adele, who has a net worth of £170 million, as well as Harry Styles and Anthony Joshua, who are both worth £175 million, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List.

But they are still yet to be as rich as Rory McIlroy (£225m), Ed Sheeran (£340m), Lewis Hamilton (£350m). 

The mystery millionaire becomes the third biggest National Lottery winner ever, behind Joe and Jess Thwaite, from Gloucester, who won a then record-breaking £184,262,899 with a Lucky Dip ticket for the draw on May 10 2022. 

Meanwhile, an unknown UK ticket-holder was handed the record EuroMillions jackpot of £195 million on July 19, 2022. 

A UK ticket-holder has become richer than Dua Lipa (pictured) after winning  the National Lottery EuroMillions jackpot

A UK ticket-holder has become richer than Dua Lipa (pictured) after winning  the National Lottery EuroMillions jackpot 

The lucky winner, who received a whopping £177,033,699.20, is also now richer than Michael Buble (pictured)

The lucky winner, who received a whopping £177,033,699.20, is also now richer than Michael Buble (pictured)

The winning numbers for the draw on November 26 were 7, 11, 25, 31, 40 and lucky stars 9 and 12 (pictured)

The winning numbers for the draw on November 26 were 7, 11, 25, 31, 40 and lucky stars 9 and 12 (pictured) 

Andy Carter, senior winners' adviser at Allwyn, said: 'We're absolutely over the moon that this life-changing EuroMillions jackpot prize has been paid.

'The possibilities with this kind of money are endless, and what an excellent time to win such a prize - right before Christmas. 

'They could certainly make this year's holiday period extra special, perhaps by seeking out some winter sun or a festive shopping trip to New York to celebrate.

'Whatever this winner decides to do with their winnings, our focus is now on supporting the ticket-holder through the process so they can start enjoying their win as soon as possible.'

Only a few people decide to come forward and share the exciting news with the world.

In 2011, Colin and Chirs Weir, from Ayrshire, cashed in a whopping £161million. The prize was divided between the two, with each getting £80million.

Sadly, eight years after the win, Colin died aged 71, after getting through just half of his jackpot, with it mostly having been given away to family, friends, and charities.

Between these there have been other winners who have decided to keep tight-lipped about their jackpot

Tuesday's winner is just behind Joe and Jess Thwaite, from Gloucester, pictured, who won a then £184,262,899 with a Lucky Dip ticket for the draw on May 10 2022.

Tuesday's winner is just behind Joe and Jess Thwaite, from Gloucester, pictured, who won a then £184,262,899 with a Lucky Dip ticket for the draw on May 10 2022. 

Colin Weir had only spent half of his £80 million share of the winnings he split with wife Chris, before dying in 2019

Colin Weir had only spent half of his £80 million share of the winnings he split with wife Chris, before dying in 2019

Mansions and mega-yachts: What you can buy with the £177million EuroMillions jackpot

Elon Musk's £48m Gulf Stream private jet

In 2016, the Tesla CEO purchased a 99-foot long Gulfstream G650ER, equipped with multiple big-screen televisions, fresh air circulation and 195 square feet for luggage storage. 

The jet also features a spacious laboratory and four large living room spaces featuring cream-colored leather seats and wood furniture.

One of the living spaces includes a VIP cabin with a sliding door perfect for holding private meetings. It has a sofa as well as a flat screen television.

£70m SkyStyle superyacht

The stunning 233ft, £70million 'Unique 71' vessel is designed for 'comfort at high-speed cruising, penetrating into the air and water masses like a blade'.

On board are four decks that contain a helipad and an open-air swimming pool, as well as a sky lounge and a water-level dining stern.

The price tag would leave the couple with more than £100m still in the bank, while they could sleep up to 12 people with the six guest cabins.

The huge mansion dubbed 'the other Windsor Castle'

Boasting a 1,000-bottle wine cellar and a master suite with an impressive 16 wardrobes, Harford Manor is valued at around £30million.

The mansion has nine bedrooms, a double-height galleried entrance hall, five fireplaces, a grand piano, library, indoor pool and sauna, an office overlooking the third-of-a-mile driveway, boot room, chef's kitchen and gym within its 23,000 sq ft of living space.

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The EuroMillions draw is a biweekly lottery in which members of the public in the UK and eight other European countries participate.

Participants pick seven numbers which includes five numbers and two stars.

There are 13 different prize tiers to play for each draw. The lowest is awarded for matching with just two main numbers.

Other patterns which contain prizes are the five numbers and one star, the five numbers, four numbers and two stars, four numbers and one star, three numbers and two stars, among others.

Adrian Bayford won a whopping £148million with his wife, Gillian, which they used to buy a luxury £6.5million mansion in Linton, Cambridgeshire.

But they split only 15 months later, blaming the stress of handling their newfound wealth for the end of their nine-year marriage.

It came after Mrs Bayford was forced to deny she had an affair with the couple's gardener, Chris Tovey.

After they divorced, Gillian moved back to Scotland and married convicted fraudster Brian Deans in 2018 and had a child with him during the 2020 Covid lockdown.

However, she threw out the father-of-one in March after he squandered millions of her fortune on cars, holidays, watches and five-star football trips - as friends say he saw her as nothing more than 'a cash machine'.

Another former boyfriend, Gavin Innes, also accused her of beating him while they were together. She was convicted of a breach of the peace and was admonished - meaning she was able to go free with a warning from the judge.

Meanwhile, Adrian went on to have relationships with three other women - Marta Jarosz, Sam Burbidge and Lisa Kemp - but similarly to his ex-wife they all ended in heartbreak. 

Polish-born Marta became the next woman in Adrian's life after Gillian when the pair were spotted together in 2014.  

Ms Jarosz met Adrian on December 20, 2013, while working as a bouncer at the Rose and Crown pub in Haverhill when he approached her and asked: 'Do you know who I am?' 

Adrian then offered her a £1,200-a-month job as his bodyguard, driver and personal assistant. The pair swapped numbers, and he texted her later that night.

However, on the same evening, Ms Jarosz went for a drink after her shift with welder Alex Martin, whom she later fell in love with, and the pair have been together since.

After Adrian and Ms Jarosz parted ways, she was was given a £34,000 top-of-the-range V40. 

Adrian met his second love interest Sam Burbidge in a pub in February 2014 and whisked her off to a £500-a-night resort in the Maldives, where he proposed.

It was a relationship built on unsteady ground, as on that same holiday, Marta claims Adrian also asked her to be his wife over text and said he would rather be on holiday with her instead.

In 2017, the 29-year-old walked out on the then 46-year-old millionaire, reportedly leaving with ex-partner Alan Suckling.

The 'horse-mad' former stable girl then sold 12 of the 30 horses he had bought for her, which was said to be 'ultimate slap in the face' for Adrian, who spent millions indulging his fiancee's love of riding.

Gillian shared the huge Euromillions winnings with her then-husband Adrian, with whom she shares two children

Gillian shared the huge Euromillions winnings with her then-husband Adrian, with whom she shares two children

Adrian met his second love interest Sam Burbidge (pictured) in a pub in February 2014 and whisked her off to a £500-a-night resort in the Maldives, where he proposed

Adrian met his second love interest Sam Burbidge (pictured) in a pub in February 2014 and whisked her off to a £500-a-night resort in the Maldives, where he proposed

Adrian then found love in Frankie & Benny's waitress Lisa Kemp in December 2017.

The pair were thought to be living together at his £12million estate in Haverhill, Suffolk, where staff have codenamed them 'the honeymooners', after he had bought her pet chickens.

However, six months later, the Sun revealed the Lotto winner has been dumped for a third time in four years. The 40-year-old stormed out after she discovered messages sent to Marta, whilst on holiday in South Wales.

Adrian's latest lover has also been embroiled in romantic drama since getting together with the jackpot winner. 

Last year, the MailOnline reported how Mark Newman said he was left devastated when Tracey walked out on him to start a new life with the former postman.

He claimed that Tracey had initially told him that she was only in a professional relationship with the millionaire and living in a separate part on his 189 acre estate.

Mark who is 6ft 2ins tall and heavily built, looks astonishingly like the Adrian. But he said it was clear from early in their relationship that she wanted to be with divorced father-of-two Adrian.

Adrian now plans to tie the knot in a no-expense-spared bash at favourite Indian ocean resort — where he also took his three exes. 

Adrian was spotted enjoying some Christmas shopping with his lover Lisa Kemp in 2017

Adrian was spotted enjoying some Christmas shopping with his lover Lisa Kemp in 2017 

Bus driver Mark Newman with former girlfriend Tracey Biles who has become 'estate manager' for lottery winner Adrian Bayford

Bus driver Mark Newman with former girlfriend Tracey Biles who has become 'estate manager' for lottery winner Adrian Bayford 

Adrian proposed to his ambulance worker fiancée Tracey Biles (pictured) at Christmas in 2023

Adrian proposed to his ambulance worker fiancée Tracey Biles (pictured) at Christmas in 2023 

In 2011, Colin and Chris Weir, from Ayrshire, cashed in a whopping £161million. The prize was divided between the two, with each getting £80million.

After initially buying a more modest property, they went on to purchase Frognal mansion, bought from hotel tycoon Bill Costley for £3.5million.

The couple were also known for their philanthropic work and set up The Weir Charitable Trust in 2013.

They also became regular donars to the SNP and donated £1million to the Scottish independence campaign.

Along with their children, Carly and Jamie, the Weirs became well known in the Ayrshire community for funding local projects.

Sadly the pair divorced in 2019, after living in separate mansions for a year. 

The couple 'drifted apart' when Mr Weir went to Partick Thistle games while his wife attended charity events. 

In December that year, Colin died suddenly aged 72 after suffering from kidney failure and sepsis.

The couple later divorced after 'drifting apart' when Mr Weir went to Partick Thistle games while his wife attended charity events

The couple later divorced after 'drifting apart' when Mr Weir went to Partick Thistle games while his wife attended charity events

Mr Weir signed their £3million mansion (pictured) in Troon over to his wife during their divorce

Mr Weir signed their £3million mansion (pictured) in Troon over to his wife during their divorce

Joe and Jess Thwaite, also won the record-breaking £184,262,899 jackpot with a Lucky Dip ticket on May 10, 2022. 

In 2022, it was revealed they were planning a round-the-world trip to celebrate their big win, before buying a second-hand Volvo for £38,000. 

Joe previously admitted that he was 'not a great car person' and said his dream car was a Skoda Superb estate 'because of the amount of stuff you can get in the boot'.

The lucky pair said they wanted to go public as they did not want to put the 'burden' of keeping the secret on others.

Joe is a communications sales engineer, while Jess manages the business side of a hairdressing salon she runs with her mother Caroline and sister Rebecca in the affluent riverside town of Tewkesbury.

They have twin daughters together, while Mr Thwaite has two grown up children currently at university from a previous marriage.

At the time of their big win, the couple were said to be eyeing up a £7.25million Cotswolds mansion near Jeremy Clarkson's Cotswold farm as well as an overseas trip to places including Hawaii and Texas. 

They said the globe-trotting holiday would be worth 'every penny' to see the smiles on their children's faces.

Joe Thwaite and Jess Thwaite from Gloucester bought their EuroMillions Lucky Dip ticket on the National Lottery App and the next morning received an email saying they had good news

The lucky pair (pictured) said they wanted to go public as they did not want to put the 'burden' of keeping the secret on others

The lucky pair (pictured) said they wanted to go public as they did not want to put the 'burden' of keeping the secret on others

EuroMillions winners Frances Connolly, 58, and her businessman husband Patrick, 60, originally from Moira in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, won their enormous prize on New Year's Day nearly six years ago.

Since scooping their huge jackpot, the fourth biggest UK lottery prize ever claimed at the time, the generous couple, who now live in the north-east of England, have given away more than £60million to family and friends.

Recalling the day they found out they became multi-millionaires overnight, Ms Connolly told how she was holed up in a hotel with no spare underwear as they braced themselves to go public with their win.

Asked what her first purchase was after winning £114,969,775, Ms Connolly told The Sun: 'Do you really want to know? A pair of knickers.'

She explained: 'We left our home with nothing, to keep us safe in case anybody found out about it and came to the house. And they did — within minutes.

'When we arrived at a hotel in England on Friday night, ahead of the press conference, I had to phone our Fiona and say, "Will you nip down to Marks & Spencer?". 'She got a pack of three pairs for 12 quid.'

Ms Connolly went on to reveal that the first luxury purchase she made was buying her father a gold pocket watch. 

The former teacher also revealed that she cannot remember what numbers the couple picked - as they played online rather than buying a physical ticket. 

Former social worker and teacher Frances Connolly and her businessman husband Patrick, originally from Moira in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, won their enormous prize on New Year's Day nearly six years ago

Former social worker and teacher Frances Connolly and her businessman husband Patrick, originally from Moira in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, won their enormous prize on New Year's Day nearly six years ago

Frances Connolly has revealed the first thing she purchased was a three-pack of M&S knickers for £12

Frances Connolly has revealed the first thing she purchased was a three-pack of M&S knickers for £12

The Connollys immediately gave away large chunks of cash to friends and family, using a list she prepared in advance of the win - which she always believed would happen. 

She has set up two charitable foundations, one named after her late mother Kathleen Graham in their native Northern Ireland, and the PFC Trust in Hartlepool, where the couple have lived for more than 30 years.

Their biggest expenditure after their win was a mansion in County Durham with seven acres of land, where Ms Connolly drives a Jaguar and her husband has an Alfa Romeo.

They also have a 'fun car', a second-hand Aston Martin. 

The couple have three daughters - one is married, one has a little daughter and one is 'happily single', according to their mother.

But she also revealed that they have encountered issues with prenups and what happens if they give their children money and somebody divorces them.

Who is the biggest ever UK lottery winner? Two couples and a former car mechanic top list

Here are the ten previous UK winners of the EuroMillions draw so far

1. In July 2011, Colin and Chris Weir became Europe's biggest lottery winners when they scooped more than £161million.

The couple, who have been married for 30 years, said they were ‘not scared’ of the wealth because they were going to have ‘so much fun’ with the money.

The pair, a retired TV cameraman and a retired psychiatric nurse, from Largs, in Ayrshire, said their children Carly, a photography student, and Jamie, a call centre worker, would be bought their own homes and cars.

The family made a £1million donation to the SNP shortly after winning.

Colin and Chris Weir became Europe's biggest lottery winners when they scooped more than £161million in 2011

Colin and Chris Weir became Europe's biggest lottery winners when they scooped more than £161million in 2011

2. Adrian and Gillian Bayford, from Suffolk, took home more than £148 million in August 2012.

The marriage ended just 15 months into their new jackpot winning lives, citing the stress of the money as the reason they needed to split.

At the time, a spokesman for Mrs Bayford said: 'Gillian Bayford confirms that her marriage to Adrian has broken down irretrievably and they have separated.'

It came after Mrs Bayford was forced to deny she had an affair with the couple's gardener, Chris Tovey. 

Adrian and Gillian Bayford, from Suffolk, took home more than £148 million in August 2012

Adrian and Gillian Bayford, from Suffolk, took home more than £148 million in August 2012

3. An anonymous ticket-holder took home £123m in July

4. Patrick and Frances Connolly from County Armagh scooped the entire £115million EuroMillions jackpot on New Year's Day 2019

5. An unnamed ticket-holder claimed just over £113million in October 2010, and chose not go public. 

6. Neil Trotter, from south London, won nearly £108million, going from former car mechanic to multimillionaire in March 2014.

Neighbours in Croydon described he and partner Nicky Ottaway moved out ‘almost overnight’ after they scooped the EuroMillions jackpot last March.

Mr Trotter admitted at the time that he was like his namesake, Del Boy Trotter from Only Fools And Horses.

Neil Trotter, with partner Nicky Ottaway, won nearly £108million, going from former car mechanic to multimillionaire in March 2014

Neil Trotter, with partner Nicky Ottaway, won nearly £108million, going from former car mechanic to multimillionaire in March 2014

7. Steve Thomson and his wife Lenka, from West Sussex, became the UK's biggest EuroMillions winners when they claimed a prize worth £105million in November 2019. 

8. A couple from Cambridgeshire, Dave and Angela Dawes, won more than £101million on their third go on the EuroMillions draw in October 2011.

Mr Dawes said he 'didn't sleep a wink' the night of the win, as it was too late to call Camelot after the couple checked their numbers.

Last year, the couple were taken to court by his son, an Afghanistan veteran, Michael Dawes, 32, who said he was 'ungenerous in spirit'.

But a judge ruled the millionaire father does not need to keep bailing out his son, who burnt through £1.6million in two years, and came back for more, failing to heed his stepmother's advice to stop eating at the Ritz and go to McDonald's instead.

Dave and Angela Dawes won more than £101million on their third go on the EuroMillions draw in October 2011

Dave and Angela Dawes won more than £101million on their third go on the EuroMillions draw in October 2011

9. A UK winner got a £93 million payout in June 2015, but decided to remain anonymous.

10. The Davies from Wales family won £61million on the EuroMillions in 2016

Stephanie Davies, 23 is said to have 'reluctantly' purchased the ticket at the time after her mother Sonia called her from Florida begging her to go out and buy one.

Keith Reynolds, Sonia Davies, Stephanie, Courtney Davies and Steve Powell all scooped money on the jackpot and said they were the 'luckiest people' on the planet to have won.