Shaun Wallace, known as The Dark Destroyer on ITV's The Chase, has compared being a Chaser to being in The Beatles. In an interview with the Liverpool ECHO, the 66-year-old reflected on his 17-year career on the show, describing himself as the "world's first ever Chaser" and saying he feels "honoured" to still be part of it.
A 17-Year Stint on The Chase
Shaun has been part of The Chase since it first launched in 2009, and remains a mainstay on the programme, which is fronted by Bradley Walsh. He serves as a Chaser alongside Anne Hegerty, Mark Labbett, Darragh Ennis, Jenny Ryan and Paul Sinha.
Reflecting on his time on the show, Shaun told the ECHO: "I just feel fortunate and privileged to be a Chaser. If you told me when I started out we'd now be on series 17, done various spin offs, and it’s taken me to other destinations- I would’ve told you it was a Hollywood script. But it's real life."
He added: "We’re really grateful the public still have an appetite for the show and long may it continue."
Life as a Barrister and Chaser
Shaun, who grew up in London, worked as a barrister before transitioning into television. He is still a practicing criminal defense barrister when he isn't filming The Chase, and draws upon aspects of his professional life in law when appearing as The Dark Destroyer.
Speaking about his persona, Shaun said: "Obviously when you’re doing a job professionally you have to be straight-faced and objective and cold. That’s how I am as a barrister and that’s certainly how I am as a Chaser."
His role as a quizzer has taken him to various locations across the globe, including the most recent spin-off series The Chase Around the World.
Love for Liverpool and The Beatles
Speaking about being a Chaser, Shaun told the ECHO: "It’s just like being in The Beatles. Everybody loves us and it’s a privilege and an honour to be recognised for my intellect in a very entertaining way."
The Dark Destroyer also shared his love for the iconic Liverpool band, recalling his memories of visiting the city for the first time. He said: "I love Liverpool, my brother is a Liverpool fan. I used to go to Liverpool Crown Court and I’m love with the city. I used to go as a kid a lot. Being a big Beatles fan, I remember I went to the Cavern Club for the first time and it was a religious experience for me, so I love Liverpool."
As a loyal Chelsea fan, he joked: "The only thing I don’t like about Liverpool is the football team, which I like to beat when we can."
Shaun visited the city earlier this year as he hosted a quiz night at The Bierkeller. He described the Liverpool quiz league as "formidable", telling the ECHO: "They’re very clever up in the north west. Scousers are warm, they’ve got a sense of humour, they are fantastic."
Shaun Wallace spoke to the ECHO courtesy of Gambling.com, where he works as the Head of Smarter Gambling. The Chase airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
