Viewers of The Chase were left in shock on Wednesday (August 9) after a young contestant defeated Anne “The Governess” Hegerty to net a huge £60,000 towards the final prize pool despite a disastrous cash-builder.
What made James’ feat more remarkable was the fact he struggled badly in the ITV show’s cash-builder round, answering just three questions correctly.
The 22-year old sales executive from London surprised host Bradley Walsh, however, by opting to play for Anne’s high-risk offer of £60,000.
READ MORE: The Chase chaos as Bradley Walsh snaps at player — forcing them to apologise
And it proved to be a wise decision, as in a remarkable change of fortunes, James answered all six questions correctly in his head-to-head against Anne to bank the impressive sum.
(Image: ITV)
Gobsmacked Bradley then turned him, shook his hand and declared: “I’ll tell you what happened, a very good young player came on the show and took back £60,000 in a head-to-head at the table against the third-best female player on the planet – that’s just what’s happened.”
Earlier, Oasis fan James had told Bradley he hoped to win enough cash to purchase a Gibson Les Paul guitar and visit his sister in Australia.
With fellow contestants Alice and Ed already eliminated, it was then left to final guest Lynn, 45, to contribute towards the final prize.
(Image: ITV)
She did so successfully, coming away with a much smaller addition of £3,000, leaving the pair to play for a £63,000 jackpot.
The duo then answered enough general knowledge questions right to push Anne four steps back ahead of the final chase.
And in dramatic fashion they turned on the style to spark joyous scenes at the end of the show, leading to an outpour of congratulatory messages on X, formerly known as Twitter.
(Image: ITV)
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One user wrote: “Well done to them! How I don’t know but enjoy the money.”
Another commented: “Cracking performance by James on The Chase.”
A third added: “James passed on questions, to get a very high offer – took it, then made it back without a question wrong. Well played James, well played!”
And a fourth said: “How on earth did that happen haha so happy for them.”
After scooping his £31,500 share, James declared: “I’ll be hungover in the morning!”
The Chase airs weekdays on ITV at 5pm.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
