Up to five million quiz-heads and viewers nationwide tune in to watch The Chase on a daily basis, with hopes of seeing lucky contestants outsmart ITV's experts and take home a decent prize pot of cash. Others however, tune in to test their own knowledge and put their own wits to the test from the comfort of their home.
Hosted by the comedic Bradley Walsh, the ITV show has become a much-loved staple on screens across Britain since it's initial premiere in 2009.
But how much do we know about the ins and outs of the show itself, and what goes on behind closed doors at the award-winning series? Well, former contestants alike have revealed many of the backstage secrets of the nation's favourite quiz show according to The Mirror...
Banned outfits
One-time contestant Vivienne Radfar, 61, has revealed how bosses on the ITV show have the final say about what hopeful contenders wear when they appear on screen.
Speaking to The Sun, the self-confessed gameshow addict explained how she took a trio of options with her to the studios and producers picked out a bright bodycon orange-red dress.
"It was my favourite but my stilettos were banned because they would have made too much noise and marked the studio floor," she revealed.
The veteran quizzer added how some people had to change as their ensembles were too skimpy or revealed a bit too much cleavage.
Another former contestant, Wil (or @swissevans86 on TikTok), shared a similar insight last year, saying: "So while they're your clothes, they get picked for you. After that you watch like a little infomercial thing they've done on the show and basically says 'this is how we want you to react', 'this is how we want you to play the game'."
Auditions like 'school exams'
Getting the chance to make it to the studio and take one a Chaser is an achievement in itself. Hopefuls wanting to appear on the ITV has to take part in a day of rigorous testing before getting a call up for the final stages.
Vivienne explained how she attended an audition in London with around 100 other wannabes, who were split into groups of 10 to tackle a series of tricky general knowledge questions.
"You also have to say some interesting things about yourself and ultimately, if you’re not a risk-taker don't apply," the former contestant added when recalling the process.
Speaking about the the process from start to finish, TikTok star Wil said part of the initial telephone interview could be to weed out "really, really weird" people.
"You apply via a questionnaire initially on the website, then somebody contacts you from the production team," he explained last year.
"And they give you a sort of like telephone interview. And they actually give you a bit of a quiz at the end of it. And I presume it's to try and, you know, weed out people who are absolute geniuses or people who are really, really weird... slipped through the net.
According to several former contestants, it can take from six months to a year to receive an invite to appear on The Chase.
VAR decisions and sneaky editing
James Hibberd, 29, from Southampton, took on Chaser Anne Hegerty alongside a teammate in a tense showdown back in 2016.
The Governess and the brainy contestants were neck-and-neck when it came to the final face-off - with the verdict so close, producers called upon some outside help.
"Literally split seconds was the difference between us winning and losing, so they paused the show and went to an independent adjudicator," the marketing officer told The Sun.
"They checked if Anne answered her question before time ran out and she was literally one frame too late. It took five minutes to decide, it felt like VAR in a football match."
Speaking in his viral TikTok post last year, Wil warned future contestants about how the show is edited.
"Leading up to my chase Bradley asked me 'do you think you're going to beat the chaser, Wil?' and I went, 'Oh, yes... not a chance'. It was a bit of fake confidence into obviously self deprecation," he revealed on the social media platform.
"But they cut that last part out. It was just me going 'oh, yes.' Which makes you look a bit of a t***."
Cuddly Chasers
With their sole aim being to prevent contestants taking home a single penny, The Chasers on the ITV show are renowned for their no-nonsense, tough on-screen personas. But away from the cameras, the professional quizzers are surprisingly friendly and approachable backstage.
Vivienne, who lost to Mark 'The Beast' Labbett on The Chase, revealed to The Sun: "I met Mark later and while he’s massively tall compared to me at 5ft 3in, The Beast is actually a kitten behind the scenes.
"Stars are normal people and feel the pressure too."
TikTok star Wil also had a pleasant experience with his conqueror, Shaun Wallace. Speaking about sitting backstage after being caught by The Chaser, he said: "The Chaser comes out - was the Dark Destroyer with me - and he basically said 'well, unlucky, you know, you had a couple of bad questions,' they shake your hand they're obviously not like the onscreen personalities."
The Chase airs weekdays on ITV at 5pm
