Ray on Beat The Chasers (Image: ITV)
Beat The Chasers fans were left fuming after a contestant faced what they deemed a ‘ridiculous’ opening question during Thursday’s episode (16 January).
The ITV quiz show saw several hopefuls challenge the formidable team of Chasers – Mark Labbett, Shaun Wallace, Anne Hegerty, Paul Sinha, Jenny Ryan, and Darragh Ennis – with only a handful securing winnings.
The third contestant, Ray, seemed to receive the short end of the stick when he squared off against the Chasers. His initial question was: “In 1894, Queen Victoria bought an oil painting by Daniel Mytens of ‘Charles I and Henrietta Maria Departing for…’ what?”
Host Bradley Walsh couldn’t hide his surprise, remarking: “What is that for a first question?!” He then presented the three answer options: The Chase, The Apprentice, and The Twilight Zone.
Beat The Chasers aired on Thursday night (Image: ITV)
Ray guessed The Twilight Zone, but Bradley had to break it to him that the correct answer was, ironically, The Chase. Ray confessed he was at a loss with the challenging question, reports .
Viewers quickly voiced their displeasure on social media, arguing that the question put Ray at an unfair disadvantage. One viewer vented on Twitter: “That was a s*** first question, they should invite him back next series #beatthechasers.”
Meanwhile, another fan said: “#beatthechasers What a b****y ridiculous first question,” and a third wrote: “Getting that as 1st Question seemed a bit harsh #beatthechasers.”
Another said: “That was an awful first question. I don’t understand why they broadcast the people that get the first question wrong and can’t play on. If that were me I definitely wouldn’t want to be on tv! #BeatTheChasers.”
The contestant was left perplexed by the question (Image: ITV)
However, not all went home empty-handed; elsewhere in the show, gutsy contestants snatched jaw-dropping sums including £50,000 and £30,000 pots. In an exciting episode opener, hopeful Daniel secured a cool £30k, remarkably outwitting the Chasers with less than 40 seconds on the clock.
Even Mark Labbett, affectionately dubbed ‘The Beast’ from ‘The Chase’, took to social media to herald the extraordinary win. He expressed on X: “I think that is only the second time the chasers have been beaten despite playing perfectly. A time offer of less than 40 seconds is huge! #beatthechasers.”
Thrilled viewers were quick to celebrate online, with a fan exclaiming: “Played that absolutely perfect! Congrats,” and another praising: “Well done Daniel! What a great performance, and so close too! Enjoy your winnings!”
The Chase is broadcast on weekdays at 5pm on ITV and can be streamed on ITVX