Shaun Wallace, one of the most famous faces on the ITV hit quiz show, The Chase, recently revealed that he was denied a spot on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? due to his impressive quizzing abilities.
In an interview with BirminghamWorld, the barrister and television personality shared his journey to becoming the world’s first chaser on the popular show.
Shaun explained that he has been fascinated with quizzing since he was a child and after winning Mastermind in 2004, he decided to retire because he felt there was nowhere else to go.
READ MORE: The Chase’s Bradley Walsh makes dig at co-star Shaun Wallace’s autobiography
However, when he tried to apply to be a contestant on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” he was denied because the producers knew he would win the top prize of £1 million without even using a lifeline.
Shaun said: “I was always fascinated with quizzing ever since I was a little kid. After winning Mastermind in 2004, I decided to retire because where would I go?
“They wouldn’t let me be on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? because they knew I’d win £1 million without even using a lifeline.”
Despite being denied a spot on the popular quiz show, Shaun was soon asked to come out of retirement to join another famous UK quiz show, Eggheads, where he made it all the way to the grand final but was beaten once again.
(Image: ITV)
He then retired again but was later asked to audition for The Chase, where he ultimately became the world’s first chaser.
Thirteen years later, Shaun is still pinching himself at being part of such an exciting game show, even as he continues to practice law as a barrister.
Shaun added: “So I was asked to come out of retirement in 2008 and to become an Egghead and I got all the way to the grand final, but got beaten again, retired again.
“I was asked to come out of retirement again for an audition for The Chase and I was the world’s first chaser, and here I am 13 years later still pinching myself that I’m in such an exciting game show.”
Speaking further about career as a barrister and his impressive general knowledge, he offered up advice to those who shower praise on his quizzing abilities.
“I’m a trained barrister and i’m trained to think on my feet and retain information, and i’m not saying this to be glib, but anyone can do what I do, if you’ve got passion for learning and that’s why you should always focus and feed your mind and keep it interested.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
