Viewers of ITV's The Chase were left divided after contestant Simon from Northumberland employed a strategy that saw him bank £20,000 in the head-to-head round. The retired yacht skipper managed only one correct answer in the cash builder, securing just £1,000, which he described as 'terrible'.
Facing chaser Mark 'The Beast' Labbett, Simon opted for the high offer of £20,000 to move closer to the chaser, reasoning there was 'very little to lose'. He then answered a range of questions, including on the monarchy, and beat Labbett to the bottom of the board, securing the large sum for his team.
Some viewers suspected Simon intentionally underperformed in the cash builder to secure a higher offer. One tweeted: 'He definitely played the chaser to get a higher offer.' Others praised the tactic, with one writing: 'Definitely a hustle there. Like it a lot.'
However, many were impressed by his turnaround. One viewer commented: 'Simon redeemed himself from a shaky start.' Host Bradley Walsh noted: 'I'd say you were slightly better than your cash builder portrayed. Knew you were.'
The episode aired as part of the long-running quiz show, which continues weekdays at 5pm on ITV.
