Fans of ITV's The Chase have expressed outrage over a contestant's advice during Friday's episode, with some calling for a ban on certain tactics. The show, hosted by Bradley Walsh, saw four players—Gillian, Mike, Linda, and Barry—take on chaser Darragh Ennis, known as 'The Menace'.
Gillian, a 22-year-old marketing intern from Belfast, opted for a low offer of £1,000 during her cash builder round, a move that often irks viewers. However, the controversy escalated when she advised fellow contestant Mike, 58, to take the middle offer of £3,000, despite having chosen the lowest herself.
Viewers took to social media to vent their frustration. One tweeted: 'Gillian goes low, tells next guy, go middle. This generation.' Another fumed: 'You took the low offer, you can't tell anyone what to take.' A third suggested such advice 'should be banned' on the show.
In response, Darragh Ennis defended Gillian on Twitter, reminding fans that contestants are real people. He wrote: 'Reminder: it takes guts to go on #TheChase and all the keyboard warriors giving contestants stick for taking a low offer need to remember they are real people.' He added: 'What should be a fun day seeing yourself on TV can be horrible because of this.'
Many supported Darragh's call for compassion, including former Come Dine With Me contestant Donna Fraser, who agreed that there is 'no need to be bitchy'. The episode has reignited debate over contestant tactics and viewer behaviour on the popular quiz show.
