Former The Chase contestant Tony Dunn has revealed what Bradley Walsh was really like away from the cameras after witnessing a touching moment involving a nervous fellow player. Tony appeared on the ITV quiz show in 2019 after applying because he loved quizzes and regularly watched the programme at home with his wife.
Bradley's private word of encouragement
While stepping onto one of Britain's most recognisable TV sets was an experience he will never forget, it was something that happened away from the main cameras that gave him a lasting impression of presenter Bradley. Tony described Walsh as a “complete pro” behind the scenes, but said one particular moment showed a much more personal side to the presenter.
During filming, one of the female contestants became visibly nervous after completing her Cash Builder. As she made her way towards the table, Tony noticed Walsh take the time to speak to her privately and help her regain her composure. Recalling the moment, Tony told Smooth Spins Casino: “One of the ladies who was on with me was a bit older, and after her Cash Builder had finished, while she was making her way over to the table, he said to her, 'I can tell you're incredibly nervous, so just take a minute to breathe. It's easier up here.' That was off camera, and he took the time to help her settle down. I thought he came across as a consummate professional.”
Intense experience on set
The presenter is renowned for his quick wit and larger-than-life personality on The Chase, but Tony said the moment demonstrated how aware he was of what contestants were experiencing when the pressure became overwhelming. And it was that pressure that Tony himself found particularly difficult. Although he had watched the programme countless times from his sofa, being on the famous set was a completely different experience.
“It's just so much more intense than watching from home. It's a very strange experience,” he said. “You're playing for money, which is exciting, but that wasn't really the main thing for me. It was more like stepping inside your television, walking onto a set that you've watched hundreds of times and suddenly finding yourself part of it.”
Nerves and adrenaline
Tony admitted he was extremely nervous once the cameras started rolling, saying it took considerable mental effort simply to stay calm and concentrate. “I was so nervous. It took a lot of mental effort just to stay calm and focus because I've never experienced anything quite like it,” he explained. “You're in this environment that is so intense, and the adrenaline really kicks in.”
The Chase airs weekdays on ITV1 at 5pm and episodes can be streamed on ITVX now.
