The Chase stars celebrate 10-year anniversary

The video will start in 8Cancel

Cast your mind back to June 2009, to the days before the only thing on TV was Brexit coverage and Love Island hadn't even hit our screens.

Savage in-to-win it hit Golden Ball's, hosted by Jasper Carrot, had wound up and a new show was needed to fill the coveted daytime spot.

Bradley Walsh was to become the new comedic host, and after his popular stint on Coronation Street in 2006 he was an ideal fit.

Though when it first hit our television screens, most Brits were a tad baffled by The Chase.

10 years on the behaviour of some contestants never ceases to baffle, as teams battle it out to take home what they've banked.

The 'original' or first chasers to appear were Mark Labbett 'The Beast', and Shaun Wallace 'The Destroyer'.

Anne Hegerty would join the cast in the second series, Paul 'Sinnerman' Sinha in series four, and 'The Vixen' Jenny Ryan in series nine.

But how have our Chasers changed over the years?

Mark has been involved with the show from the start, but what did he do before The Chase aired?

Well it probably comes as no surprise but Mark, whose nickname 'The Beast' refers to his surname Labbette (French for 'The Beast') was a maths teacher.

He became interested in quizzing early in his career, and often took home big wins from pub quiz teams and games machines at holiday camps.

He appeared on Mastermind in 1999, and had a spate of appearances on shows such as Countdown and BrainTeaser .

Mark continues to be one of the shows biggest personalities and often beats many a contestant to the bank.

But it's his shirtless Loose Women appearance that continues to be a 'unique' moment in the show's run.

A barrister by profession Shaun become show champion of Mastermind, and appeared on shows like The Weakest Link.

Wallace also tried his hand at politics, briefly campaigning to be an MP in London.

Though we're rather glad he didn't pursue it long, as he's been with the show since its beginning.

Now Shaun is a part time lecturer, and a proud member of the Jamaican bar association.

Shaun often goes into schools to teach children about law and how they can become involved.

Paul was a stand up comedian and broadcaster when he first joined the team of chasers.

With a distinctly cheery persona he often made contestants feel at ease, before beating them to the final chase.

Though he'd often discussed his sexuality in his stand-up acts, Paul never shied away from telling audiences he was gay, and his honesty and openness was a big hit with fans of the show.

Paul continues to flex his intellectual pecks, like a smartly dressed assassin, starring in shows such as Task Master on Dave with Love Island host Ian Sterling.

Paul has also been open about his health troubles in recent months.

In 2019 Paul revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and that his change in appearance had been in a bid to understand his own body.

Paul's brave decision to share his diagnosis has been applauded by fans and those who have been affected by the disease.

Anne was an usual chaser, exceptionally clever, dressed a little bit like Mrs.Trunchbull, and without a doubt a formidable mind.

She continued to delight fans for her dry sense of humour but ruthless efficiency at catching contestants out.

In an unusual twist, Anne, who had always cut a stern figure on The Chase, went out of her comfort zone and joined the cast of I'm A Celebrity 2018.

Whilst on the show Hegerty talked about her experiences living with Aspergers, helping to raise the profile of autism and inspiring others.

She remains 75th place in the World Quizzing Championship of 2018.

With her unmistakable red Barnett and rockabilly style 'The Vixen' as she became known was as sharp as a fox indeed.

Her nickname of course comes from her red pony tail which resembles a foxes' tail.

Before the show Jenny had come recommended by Anne Hegerty and the pair had played together on the same quiz team.

Jenny is now one of the contestants signed up to take part in the upcoming celebrity version of the X-Factor.

Jenny is planning to show off her incredible vocal stills and ad a touch of intelligence to the series whilst doing so.

Fans of the show will not be surprised to hear Jenny has an impressive singing voice, as the chasers comic relief act was quite the show.

Well despite presenting the show for 10 years it appears the presenter hasn't really aged a day.

Yes Bradley is still presenting and still keeping those brutal chasers in check.

Happy 10th birthday team, we fear the day The Chase is off.

Source: Mirror

Powered by NewsAPI.org

Keywords:

United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, 2016 • Love Island (2005 TV series) • Jasper Carrott • Bradley Walsh • Coronation Street • Mark Labbett • Shaun Wallace • Destroyer • Anne Hegerty • Sinner Man • Paul Sinha • Fox • Jenny Ryan • Surname • French language • Pub quiz • Mastermind (TV series) • Countdown (game show) • BrainTeaser • Loose Women • Barrister • Show Champion • Mastermind (TV series) • Weakest Link • Member of parliament • London • Jamaica Bar • Stand-up comedy • Gay • Love Island (2005 TV series) • Parkinson's disease • Human body • Anne Hegerty • Asperger syndrome • Autism • World Quizzing Championship • Rockabilly • Fox • Fox Broadcasting Company • The Red Pony (1973 film) • Anne Hegerty • Celebrity • The X Factor (UK TV series) • Spice Girls • Comic Relief • Yes (band) •