ITV's hit quiz show The Chase is renowned for its high-stakes questions and quick-witted banter, but a hilarious behind-the-scenes secret has finally been revealed by one of its stars.
Darragh Ennis, the brainiac known to millions as 'The Menace', has pulled back the curtain on the show's dynamic, exposing host Bradley Walsh's amusing on-set struggle. It turns out the beloved presenter has a very specific and funny reason for avoiding eye contact with the Dublin-born quizzer.
The Gag That Breaks Bradley Walsh
In an exclusive revelation, Ennis explained that his mere presence is a trigger for Walsh's infamous corpsing. The host's inability to keep a straight face is a well-documented trait, often leading to viral, laughter-filled moments on the show.
'The problem is, I make him laugh before we even start recording,' Ennis confessed. 'As soon as I walk on set, he just finds something about me funny. He can't even look at me during the show because he knows he'll start giggling.'
This pre-emptive comedy threatens the smooth running of the entire production, forcing Walsh to employ a specific tactic to maintain his composure.
A Strategic Avoidance Tactic
To prevent a complete breakdown during filming, Bradley Walsh has adopted a strategic method of avoidance. Ennis detailed the host's peculiar habit, which occurs during the dramatic walk-ons each Chaser is famous for.
'When I'm walking on, he has to stare at the floor,' Ennis revealed. 'He can't look at me. If he looks at me, he'll laugh, and then we have to reset the whole thing. It takes ages to set up the lights and the smoke machine for my entrance, so he just stares at the floor until I'm in place.'
This insight offers a charming glimpse into the warm and jovial atmosphere that exists behind the show's competitive facade, highlighting the genuine camaraderie between the host and the Chasers.
From Contestant to Chaser: Ennis's Unique Journey
Darragh Ennis's relationship with The Chase is unique. Before taking his seat as one of the six formidable Chasers, he first appeared on the other side of the podium as a contestant in 2017. His impressive performance against legendary Chaser Anne Hegerty clearly made a lasting impression on the producers.
His journey from a contestant to becoming a full-time member of the show's intellectual elite, joining the ranks of Mark Labbett, Anne Hegerty, Paul Sinha, Jenny Ryan, and Shaun Wallace, has made him a firm favourite with viewers. His revelation about Walsh only adds to his relatable and popular persona.
The next time you watch The Menace make his smoky entrance, you'll now know the real reason Bradley Walsh seems so interested in the studio floor.
