Who is The Chase’s new Chaser? Meet the former contestant turned Chaser

A former contestant from The Chase has been officially confined as the show’s new Chaser.

The ITV game show welcomed 40-year-old Darragh Ennis from Dublin as its latest Chaser in Thursday’s episode (19 November), becoming the first new addition since Jenny Ryan in 2015.

The post doctoral neuroscientist researcher from the University of Oxford previously appeared on the show in March 2017, banking £9,000.

Speaking to host Bradley Walsh, Darragh – nicknamed ‘The Menace’ – quipped: “It’s much nicer up here, the seat is more comfy!”

On signing up, Darragh said: “I’m so pleased to be the sixth Chaser. “It’s brilliant to be on such an amazing quiz team, and so much fun working with Bradley Walsh. It’s such an exciting opportunity and I can’t wait to take on more contestants!”

Sharing how Bradley had welcomed him to The Chase family, Darragh continued: “He was very kind, very friendly. He said, ‘Relax, don’t worry about anything. We’ll have a bit of back and forth. You give me a hard time, I’ll give you a hard time, but it’s all just fun. Just go out and do your thing.’

“I grew up in a household like that and I have a group of friends at home who are exactly like that. We give each other a terrible time, so it’s great.”

Darragh also revealed the advice he had been given from the other Chasers: “The one that stuck, when I lost a show for the first time, they did encourage me to put it behind me and to not worry about it. That’s been very useful. And they’ve been very good about the things you need to learn and know and what you really need to bone up on.”

Bradley added: “Another Chaser? ANOTHER CHASER? That’s another person cleverer than me on The Chase.

“I must have words with the producers. But I can’t wait to educate Darragh on the important things in life; custard creams, cowboy films and real ale.”

The show’s Executive Producer Helen Tumbridge said: “We’ve gone from the Fantastic Five to the Sensational Six. We all think Darragh is the perfect addition to our Chase family.”

Darragh joins the current Chasers are Anne Hegerty (aka The Governess), Shaun Wallace (The Barrister), Mark Labbett (The Beast), Paul Sinha (The Sinnerman) and Jenny Ryan (The Vixen).

Now in its tenth year and and having reached over 1000 episodes, The Chase has seen global success, with versions now being made in 11 countries.

You can catch The Chase online for free (UK viewers) and catch up with past episodes on ITV Hub.