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Anne Hegerty's replacement for Beat The Chasers has been revealed.
Hegerty was forced to stop the series after contracting Covid, and will now be replaced by a new chaser.
The new chaser is 38-year-old Issa ‘The Supernerd’ Schultz, who has been popular on the Australian version of The Chase but is yet to star on the UK series.
Schultz has won eight Australian Quizzing Championships and has even competed on the Aussie version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?
However, fans are sure to be sad to see Hegerty go – the chaser has been a firm favourite among fans and announced the news that she'd be pulling out of the series via Twitter.
Her tweet read: "Unfortunately I’ve contracted Covid-19 so won’t be filming this series of #BeatTheChasers. The fantastic @Issa25 will be stepping in for me and I’m looking forward to watching the series when it’s on air later this year. I feel fine, but I'm still positive! (in all respects)."
Unfortunately I’ve contracted Covid-19 so won’t be filming this series of #BeatTheChasers. The fantastic @Issa25 will be stepping in for me and I’m looking forward to watching the series when it’s on air later this year. I feel fine, but I'm still positive! (in all respects)
— Anne Hegerty (@anne_hegerty) March 17, 2022
She later posted an update with a picture of a negative Covid test, but said she's still self-isolating.
Hegerty explained that while she had 'swerved' Covid for two years, she tested positive recently and, according to the quizzer, she 'assumed it was just a cold, did a [lateral flow test] to be on the safe side'.
Hegerty continued to urge fans on Twitter to watch the series despite her absence, saying: "You should absolutely watch it, it will feature six SUPERB Chasers."
Fans were quick to wish Hegerty a speedy recovery, with one fan writing, "Get well soon Anne. And welcome Issa!"
Those familiar with Issa from the Australian version of the show were quick to reassure fans that Schultz would be an incredible replacement.
Issa is a bloody good quizzer. He is the 'Supernerd' in Australia and is world-class. Decent? I'm a quizzer myself and I wouldn't want to face him in a month of Sundays. Hope you feel better soon Anne! #TheChase #BeatTheChasers #TheChaseAus pic.twitter.com/ZiGFa0LzUh
— Katherine Birkett (@Kitty_B_Good) March 17, 2022
One fan called him a 'bloody good quizzer' and that they 'wouldn't want to face him on a month of Sundays'.
Schultz has dual nationality in Australia and the UK and was born in Cornwall, which Hegerty noted 'is why he was the one Chaser we could bring in who didn't need a visa'.
Speaking to the Radio Times about his experience replacing Hegerty, Schultz said that she had been 'incredibly supportive'.
He added: "I can't believe I'm here. Frankly, [I'm] excited and flattered that they asked me. I've always dreamed to come on the UK version in some regard when the Aussie one started because as a dual citizen, it's a great opportunity."
The series is currently filming, but fans can expect to see Schultz on their screens soon.
Featured Image Credit: Credit: ITV/ITV Studios Australia
Topics: The Chase, UK News, World News, TV and Film, Celebrity
