Former The Chase contestant Tony Dunn has revealed the 'secret' to being accepted onto the ITV game show and a rule that viewers don't see at home.
Tony Dunn, a project manager who appeared on the show in 2019, shared his experience on the famous set while facing Chaser Jenny Ryan. Speaking to Smooth Spins Casino, Smooth Radio's gaming brand, Tony explained he was a long-time fan of the show but was surprised by some of the things he discovered during his time on set.
Lengthy application process
After a 'lengthy' application process that almost took five years between getting through and the show airing, Tony was invited to an audition process with around 20 other people. During the audition, contestants need to film a piece to camera and play a couple of quiz games in teams and individually.
However, it wasn't until a few years later that Tony was called back by producers, and he revealed a show 'secret' which he believed secured his place. Tony explained that when show bosses ask the contestants what they would do with the prize money, they are looking for something unique.
Humour was key
He recalled: "I realised they wanted more humour. Something fun that the host Bradley could work with and have some fun with. At the time, I was living in a block of flats, so I joked that if I won the money, I was going to build a pétanque court in the communal garden."
"I'd get some gravel and a few railway sleepers and recreate the one I'd played on during a holiday in France with a group of old men."
Additionally, one rule of the game, which viewers don't see at home, also caught him off guard.
Hidden rule revealed
He explained: "When you're at the table, if neither you nor the Chaser presses, the question can sit there for 20 or 30 seconds while you're both thinking. But as soon as one person presses their button, the other person is suddenly on a countdown."
"I hadn't realised that before playing because, as a viewer, it looks like you just have a set amount of time to answer from the moment the question appears."
"In reality, once the Chaser presses, you see a countdown on a screen facing you that goes five, four, three, two and one, and you have to press your button before it runs out. You can't see any of that happening when you're watching at home, so it was interesting to discover how it actually works."
In terms of the actual experience, Tony shared he was also surprised by how intense filming was in person and said it took a 'lot of mental effort' just to focus with little time for 'quiet reflection'.
Social media checks and outcome
After filming the show, contestants are warned by show bosses to make their social media profiles private, and Tony added that they search through players' online activity prior to filming.
Tony unfortunately never got to build his pétanque court after scoring an impressive £6,000 in the cash builder. His team of three played for £17,000 in the Final Chase and managed to get 16 steps along the board before they were caught by Jenny Ryan with just four seconds to spare.
Those interested in applying can keep an eye on ITV Be On TV for when the show will be accepting applications for the next series.
