A former contestant on ITV's hit quiz show 'The Chase' has lifted the lid on what really happens to winners' cash prizes—and it's not what viewers might expect.
The popular daytime show, hosted by Bradley Walsh, sees teams of contestants battle against professional quizzers, known as 'Chasers,' to win thousands of pounds. But according to an ex-player, the reality of taking home the prize money isn't as straightforward as it seems.
The Truth Behind the Winnings
The contestant, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that winners don't receive their cash immediately. Instead, they must wait weeks—sometimes even months—before the money lands in their bank accounts.
"It's not like you walk off set with a cheque," they explained. "There's a lot of paperwork and processing involved. For some, it took up to three months to actually get the money."
Tax and Other Surprises
Another shocker? The prize money is subject to taxation. Unlike some game shows where winnings are tax-free, 'The Chase' cash is treated as income, meaning winners must declare it to HMRC.
"A lot of people don't realise they'll have to pay tax on their winnings," the contestant added. "It can be a nasty surprise if you're not prepared."
Behind the Scenes Secrets
The insider also shared some juicy behind-the-scenes details:
- Filming can take up to six hours for a single episode.
- Contestants are given strict instructions not to discuss their winnings publicly until the episode airs.
- Bradley Walsh is just as charming off-camera as he appears on screen.
Despite the delays and tax implications, the contestant insisted the experience was "100% worth it"—even if the cash doesn't arrive overnight.
