Former contestants of ITV's The Chase have lifted the lid on what happens behind the scenes of the popular quiz show, revealing strict dress codes, rigorous auditions, and even last-minute adjudications. The revelations come as the show continues to attract up to five million viewers daily.
Vivienne Radfar, 61, a one-time contestant, told The Sun that producers have the final say on contestants' outfits. She brought three options to the studio, but they chose a bright bodycon orange-red dress. Her stilettos were banned for being too noisy and potentially damaging the studio floor. Some contestants had to change because their outfits were too skimpy or revealing.
TikTok user Wil (@swissevans86), another former contestant, shared that while contestants wear their own clothes, producers select them. He also noted that contestants watch an infomercial instructing them on how to react and play the game. Wil warned that editing can misrepresent contestants; he recalled saying 'Oh, yes... not a chance' when asked if he'd beat the Chaser, but the show cut the self-deprecating part, making him look overconfident.
The audition process is gruelling. Vivienne attended a London audition with about 100 others, split into groups of 10 to answer tricky general knowledge questions. She advised that applicants must be risk-takers and share interesting facts about themselves. Wil added that a telephone interview includes a quiz to weed out geniuses or 'really, really weird' people. It can take six months to a year to get an invite.
James Hibberd, 29, from Southampton, faced Chaser Anne Hegerty in 2016. The final was so close that producers paused the show and called an independent adjudicator to check if Hegerty answered before time ran out. 'She was literally one frame too late,' Hibberd said, comparing the five-minute delay to VAR in football.
