The Chase star Anne Hegerty has opened up about a horrifying stalking ordeal that began just months after the ITV quiz show launched in 2012. The 67-year-old broadcaster, known as 'The Governess', revealed that a female admirer moved from London to Manchester to live three streets away from her.
Stalker Moved Across Country
In an interview with The Sun, Hegerty explained that the obsession started when she tried to be friendly with a fan. "There was a woman who I was being friendly with and got her wires crossed, and the next thing I knew, she packed up her home in London and moved to Manchester to live three streets away," she said.
Hegerty described the experience as similar to the Netflix drama Baby Reindeer, which follows a comedian whose kindness to a customer sparks a years-long obsession. "It was similar to Baby Reindeer, but not as bad. I am still Facebook friends with the woman," she added.
Gradual Fending Off
The professional quizzer said she "gradually fended off" the stalker, who eventually got the message. "I don't want to hurt her feelings, but I have to be careful with people whom I befriend," Hegerty explained. She noted that the ordeal occurred when "nobody knew who we were" shortly after The Chase premiered.
Hegerty shot to fame alongside co-stars Mark Labbett, Shaun Wallace, and Paul Sinha on the teatime show fronted by Bradley Walsh. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dark side of fame and the importance of setting boundaries.
Impact on The Chase Production
The revelation comes after ITV paused filming of The Chase for a year, as reported by The Sun on Sunday. At the TRIC awards in London, Hegerty admitted the hiatus would affect her finances. "I won't make money from the daytime Chase for a year. But the thing is I've got money in the bank, and I'm doing panto again, so I'll be fine," she told the press.
Hegerty, who boasts a net worth of £3.2 million, explained that the Chasers are not on a salary. "We're not on a salary. It's not as if they're going to up the budget and add a new salary. A new chaser would just mean the same number of shows shared between more people - so less money for everyone," she said.
