Bradley Walsh is used to welcoming A-listers to the celebrity edition of The Chase, but it’s rare to see a famous face on the regular version of the quiz show.
However, drummer Paul Hanley was a welcome surprise on Tuesday’s throwback episode, which originally aired back in August of 2019.
The Mancunian, 57, was previously a drummer for the celebrated English post-punk group The Fall, eventually leaving the group in the mid-80s.
Paul was the first player to perform, and Bradley was quickly impressed when he quizzed him about his professional history.
“I remember The Fall,” he exclaimed.
“What made you leave?” Brad wondered, before suggesting: “Decided you had enough?”
(Image: ITV)
Paul explained he had hopes of forging a solo career as a drummer, but eventually made the move into IT, working in computers over the past 25 years.
Formed in Prestwich in 1976, the band were famed for tracks like Totally Wired and Hit The North, leaving a lasting legacy in the alternative rock music scene.
Over the years, a number of members left and joined the group, with vocalist Mark E Smith being the only remaining member until his death in January 2018.
(Image: ITV)
When Paul said his goodbyes to The Fall, his brother Steve Hanley remained as a member for a further 13 years, playing the bass guitar for the band.
In 2001, the brothers started performing together again, joining Tom Hingley’s group The Lovers.
Paul has released two books about his life and career, with Leave The Capital hitting the shelves in 2017, followed by 2019’s Have A Bleedin Guess.
Viewers were similarly surprised to see Paul on the show, as they took to Twitter to exclaim over his punk history with The Fall.
(Image: ITV)
One wrote: “Paul Hanley from The Fall on #thechase!”
“Drummer in The Fall…Jesus. Famous or what?,” added a second, and a third chimed: “It’s tall Paul from The Fall.”
Having performed well in the cash builder, Paul turned to face Chaser Anne Hegerty in the second round, with The Governess seizing the opportunity to crack a joke.
“I treat contestants the way you treat your drums – I beat them,” she quipped.
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However, Anne conceded Paul was a competent player, as the musician plumped for the middle offer of £7,000.
She mused: “I suspect you’re a very level-headed player. Hard to fluster.”
Sadly, like many before him, Paul failed to beat champion quizzer Anne, and was sent home as the second round drew to a close.
The Chase airs on weekdays at 5pm on ITV.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
