Outrage Erupts as The Chase Stars Miss Out on £142,000 for Charity

Fans of the ITV quiz show The Chase have voiced their displeasure after a group of celebrities narrowly missed the opportunity to win £142,000 for charity. The show, hosted by Bradley Walsh, has faced accusations of being a “stitch-up” following a tense final round where the Chaser, Jenny Ryan, thwarted the celebrities’ efforts.

The celebrity participants included singer Cheryl Baker, weather presenter Laura Tobin, sports commentator Jason Bell, and comedian Mark Steel. Jason was eliminated before the final chase, leaving Cheryl, Laura, and Mark to battle against Jenny for the substantial prize. The trio performed commendably, answering a total of 19 questions correctly; however, Laura expressed concerns that their score might not be enough to secure a victory against the Chaser.

As the final chase unfolded, the celebrities managed to push Jenny back multiple times. Yet, within her allotted two minutes, Jenny answered more questions correctly, ultimately denying the celebrities the jackpot. Instead of taking home the £142,000, they each departed with only £1,000 for their chosen charities. In a poignant moment, Bradley announced, “Four attempts to push back, three executed, caught with three seconds remaining, you needed one more,” adding that it was Jason’s earlier elimination that cost them the win.

The reaction from viewers was swift, with many taking to Twitter to express their outrage. Critics claimed that Jenny received easier questions and that Bradley’s pacing during her questioning was noticeably faster. One viewer stated, “@ITVChase… The game is blatantly fixed! What is the point?” Another commented on the absurdity of the questions, highlighting one in particular: “What is the usual response to Oggy Oggy Oggy?”

The backlash continued with viewers describing the episode as a “fix” and calling for accountability. “Bradley Walsh needs to stop speeding up when asking the Chaser questions on the final round. Bit of a fix really #TheChase,” one user noted. The show, intended to entertain and support charitable causes, now faces scrutiny over its integrity.

In contrast, during the episode, Bradley expressed his admiration for Jason’s performance, complimenting his American accent and composed approach. This moment of levity was overshadowed by the dramatic conclusion, leaving viewers divided about the fairness of the game.

The controversy surrounding this episode of The Chase has reignited discussions about the balance between entertainment and ethical gameplay in quiz shows, especially when charity is involved. As fans continue to debate the fairness of the competition, the show’s producers may need to address the concerns raised by its audience to maintain trust and credibility.