The Chase fans have expressed their frustration after ITV removed the popular quiz show from its usual 5pm slot to broadcast the Royal Ascot horse racing festival. The scheduling change, which began on Tuesday (June 17), will continue all week, with racing coverage airing from 1.30pm to 6pm.
Disgruntled viewers took to social media to voice their displeasure, with many switching to BBC One's Pointless as an alternative. One fan wrote: '#TheChase since there's no Chase tonight, it's over to #pointless', while another commented: 'Just sat down to watch #TheChase but instead i get [horse emoji]'.
The Chase is not the only ITV show affected; Loose Women also announced it would not air for the rest of the week due to the racing coverage. Presenter Ruth Langsford told viewers: 'That's it from us today, I'm afraid. It gets worse, we're not on all week.'
The Chase, hosted by Bradley Walsh, has been a staple on ITV since 2009, featuring contestants testing their general knowledge for cash prizes. This is not the first disruption this year; earlier in June, the show was pulled for the UEFA Women's Nations League, and last week it aired special Soccer Aid episodes.
The Chase is scheduled to return to its regular slot on Monday 23 June at 5pm on ITV1, or viewers can catch up on ITVX.
