Bradley Walsh, host of The Chase, was taken aback when he recognised a contestant on the latest episode of the ITV quiz show. On Wednesday’s episode (January 29), the much-loved game show host welcomed four new contestants to test their general knowledge.
The former Coronation Street actor introduced Rachel, Sian, Noel and Jon to the programme, where they were ready to compete for the coveted cash prize. However, as Jon stepped up for his cash builder round, Bradley did a double-take, telling him his “face looks familiar”.
In an unexpected turn of events, Jon revealed that he and Bradley had participated in a charity football match together two decades ago, and even recalled some of Bradley’s less than sportsmanlike behaviour during the game.
As Jon, a retail marketing consultant from Cheshire, discussed his job and hobbies, Bradley interjected, saying: “For some peculiar reason, I do recognise your face. Why do I recognise your face?” Jon then explained: “We actually played against each other for a charity match you were playing for Rod Stewart’s all-stars. There were three games, one at Wembley, one in Wigan and one at Rod’s house.”
He then recounted a humorous incident where Bradley was irate over a decision during the match, reports the Express.
Recalling a memorable moment on the pitch, the guest said: “The Wembley one was interesting because you broke through and had a shot – it was a screamer over the top of my head, I didn’t get to it, it hit the side of the bar, bounced down with spin, came back out to me and we played on and you were going absolutely mad.”
Brad responded with, “Was I?” prompting his opponent to confirm, “You weren’t happy because the referee was saying play on, so I played on – you were saying ‘it was over the line’. I was saying it wasn’t. Brad I’ve got to tell you; 20 years ago – it wasn’t.”
Their banter included Brad laughing and saying “it wasn’t over the line”, and Jon replying through cheeky laughter, “No it wasn’t,” before the host interjected with a lighthearted, “Well it’s lovely to see you again,” as the game proceeded. They were joined by chaser Jenny “The Vixen” Ryan who immediately chimed in with, “well you beat Brad at least! ” Jon then triumphantly returned to his team alongside Noel, each banking £10k.
However, Sian found herself no match for the chaser’s stellar performance and was sent home. Law student Rachel, up next, courageously went for the high offer of £50k despite earning only £2k in the cash builder round, but after missing her initial questions, she too was ousted, leaving only two team members for the final chase.