The Chase star Shaun Wallace has opened up about his personal life, insisting he is nothing like his on-screen persona. Known as the Dark Destroyer on the ITV quiz show, Shaun often shows little empathy when defeating contestants, but in a rare interview, he revealed a softer side.
Shaun Wallace: 'I'm emotional, I'm not a machine'
Speaking on the On Your Bike with Mr Motivator podcast, Shaun said: "I'm emotional, I'm not a machine, I have feelings." He added, quoting Shakespeare: "You know, what Shakespeare said, if you prick me, do I not bleed? Of course I do, I'd like to think."
Reflecting on a test taken during filming for The Chasers Road Trip, Shaun recalled being told he had an "extremely high" level of emotional intelligence. He continued: "So I think I've got a great degree of empathy because I do care about people and people are important to me."
Rare Relationship Update
When asked by the host if there was somebody in his life who he loved, Shaun replied: "Yeah of course there is," but did not give further details. When Mr Motivator pressed him to introduce his mystery partner, Shaun jokingly said: "No you can't."
In 2024, the 66-year-old confirmed he was in a relationship but not married and without children. Speaking to Kaye Adams on her How To Be 60 podcast, he said: "Although I'm not married but I suppose I'm married to my career. Put it that way. I like that. I prefer that and I'm happier." He added: "Yes, I'm in a relationship."
No Regrets About Not Having Children
Shaun confirmed he has no children, a decision he does not regret. He explained: "It was a conscious reason - when I was a young struggling barrister. I didn't think it would be right to bring up a child when you're trying to climb to the top of that greasy pole."
He added: "And I've never regretted that decision. I've got 15 godchildren. Two of them are called Shaun and I'm the best godfather in the world. I probably would have been a great dad but I've got not regrets in relation to that." The quizmaster also revealed he had helped raise his ex-partner's child, describing her as the "closest thing to a daughter he has."
The Chase Around the World continues tonight at 9pm on ITV.
