Shaun Wallace, known as The Dark Destroyer on The Chase, has opened up about a difficult period in his life when he struggled financially before finding fame on the ITV quiz show.
The 66-year-old, who has been a barrister alongside his television career, spoke about his past on the On Your Bike with Mr Motivator podcast. He said financial stability was important to him because he knows what it is like to have nothing.
'It was tough financially'
Wallace said: "I know what it's like to not have anything. 25 years ago I was Shaun who?"
He added: "When my career was going through the doldrums and it was very difficult in terms of trying to rebuild my career, which was going through the doldrums, because I broke my ankle, I had to practice from home. And sometimes money was too tight to mention."
Unable to work as a self-employed barrister and struggling to pay for essentials, he admitted: "It was tough financially and they go hand in hand. At the age of 40, I thought well my future is behind me and that's it."
Dramatic upturn in fortunes
Wallace revealed that he experienced a "dramatic upturn in fortunes" in 2004, which gave him financial security and stability. He said this was "important because that will give you the springboard for you to do what you like".
He added: "I'm grateful for how my life is turning out today, the one thing I don't take for granted is the fact that I'm today's news on tomorrow's chip wrapper, so I'm always conscious of that fact."
Future on The Chase
Wallace is one of six Chasers on the ITV quiz show, alongside Jenny Ryan, Mark Labbett, Anne Hegerty, Darragh Ennis and Paul Sinha. According to his co-star Anne, the quizmasters are paid per show rather than receiving a set salary.
Wallace admitted he would "probably leave" the show if more quizmasters were appointed. He told The Sun: "I can't see any other chasers being appointed. And if it got too crowded, I'd probably leave."
He added: "There was three of us for two years. Then there was four of us for five. And, you know, that's when they decided that we needed another female chaser, which I think was good. And they actually had a competition to see who the best one [was]. Jenny [Ryan] came out on top by a mile."
He continued: "I think if they had one more, then I'd consider it [quitting]. Because it would look ridiculous to have too many chasers."
All six chasers, alongside host Bradley Walsh, have been a part of the show's new spin-off series, The Chase Around The World. Tonight, the teams arrive in the final city, Athens, where they must take on and defeat all the chasers in head-to-head battles across the region, before a dramatic dash to find Bradley at the finish line. The Chase airs weekdays from 5pm on ITV and ITVX. The Chase Around The World follows later at 9pm.
