Shaun Wallace joined The Chase in 2009
The Chase star Shaun Wallace has addressed the backlash he’s received on the programme, admitting one blunder led to so much abuse that anyone would want to quit.
The ITV quizzer, known to fans as The Dark Destroyer, has been a part of The Chase since it began in 2009.
He’s now returned to screens with his co-stars, including Anne Hegerty and presenter Bradley Walsh, for spin-off Race Across The World.
Ahead of the new series airing, Shaun recalled his time on The Chase, including one grave error. He admitted, “Every Achilles has a heel”.
The Dark Destroyer admitted his Achilles’ Heel
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“The abuse I got on Twitter would make you want to quit the show.”
Knowing that animations and soaps were his shortfall, Shaun confessed he had no choice but to guess when he was asked another question about The Simpsons.
He explained he was asked who the eldest Simpsons child is for £50,000, and, after only having seconds to work it out, wrongly suggested Lisa.
Shaun reflected: “Questions are only easy if you know the answer, so one thing about us as quizzers is we’re brilliant quizzers, but we’re human, we make mistakes.”
Shaun, who won Mastermind in 2004 before The Chase, continued: “I use my transferable skills as a barrister, I think on my feet, I’m fearless. I’ve appeared in the Court of Appeal, I’ve done Old Bailey trials, so to answer the question in the final Chase or Mastermind grand finals is not going to phase me, but the one thing which has stood me well is my steadfast dedication to preparation because the more you prepare, the more chances you can be successful.
“And it’s not a chore… when we’re researching, it might seem like we’re going back to school. No, we’re doing it because we love it.”
The Chase Around The World features six teams competing across European landmarks as they chase a £100,000 jackpot.
Shaun characterised the spin-off as “reality television meeting with a quiz”, acknowledging that participants are pushed out of their comfort zone, reports the Mirror.
The new spin-off series is filmed across Europe(Image: ITV)
Ahead of the first episode, host Bradley teased: “In one city, the couple that came in last were devastated, and I mean devastated. One of them couldn’t even bring themselves to look at me. They were so upset.
“But then they get the chance to play against The Chasers, and they went and beat them! So they stayed in the contest and were able to play in the next round at the next city – it was brilliant to see! I mean, it was really great.
“All of a sudden, you’re saying, ‘All right, well, forget that now. You’re now moving on to the next city. You’re still in the race.’
“It was great to watch because their despair turned into such joy. It’s a great dynamic, and it’s a very simple but effective end to this type of show.”
The Chase Around The World airs Thursdays at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
