A contestant who secured a substantial £13,000 prize on ITV's popular quiz programme The Chase has lifted the curtain on the genuine experience of participating in the show. The revelation provides a rare glimpse into the meticulous selection process, the lengthy filming timeline, and the interactions with host Bradley Walsh and the formidable Chasers.
The Gruelling Selection Process
The journey to the studio is far from straightforward. Savannah, a 23-year-old from Wolverhampton, detailed a rigorous and protracted qualifying procedure that began with an application submitted in 2022. She received no immediate response, highlighting the immense volume of interest the show generates. Producers reportedly handle approximately 75,000 applications each year, making the competition exceptionally fierce.
Her first contact came unexpectedly at the end of 2023, when a production assistant called to confirm her continued interest. Without warning, she was immediately subjected to a 40-question general knowledge quiz while standing beside a busy main road on her way to work. Despite the chaotic setting, she persevered.
Multiple Rounds of Scrutiny
A second, more nerve-wracking quiz followed shortly before Christmas. This round offered no feedback on whether her answers were correct, adding to the tension. In January 2024, she joined around twenty other hopefuls on a video conference with producers to discuss the show's mechanics. The entire process, from initial application to final selection, spanned over a year, underscoring its demanding nature.
The Reality of Filming
Recording took place at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood on 1 February 2024, though the episode did not air until late January 2026. Contestants were provided with overnight accommodation and meal expenses the night before. Filming commenced at 9am, following detailed briefings in a green room where all rules were explained thoroughly for legal purposes.
Savannah described the actual filming as "very stop and start," with production pausing after each question. This made the experience less fluid than it appears on television. She also praised the entire production team, from wardrobe to makeup assistants, for their kindness and support, ensuring contestants had a positive experience.
Facing The Beast
Her opponent was Mark Labbett, known as The Beast, whom she considered the most daunting Chaser to defeat. During her cash builder round, she accumulated £5,000 and wisely chose to stick with that offer, successfully returning to her team. The Final Chase proved tense, with her team answering 21 questions correctly. Thanks to several strategic pushbacks and a particularly sharp teammate, they defeated the Chaser by six points.
The Prize and Aftermath
The team's victory secured the £13,000 prize pot, which was divided equally among the four contestants, netting each £3,250. Savannah was required to keep her appearance a secret for nearly two years, only revealing it a fortnight before the episode aired. She emphasised that the opportunity was overwhelmingly positive, encouraging others to apply for similar television experiences.
Her reflections offer valuable insights for aspiring contestants, demystifying the behind-the-scenes operations of one of Britain's most beloved quiz shows. The combination of a challenging selection process, a supportive production environment, and the thrill of competition makes The Chase a unique and rewarding endeavour for those who succeed.
