Darragh Ennis, the newest recruit on ITV quiz show The Chase, has revealed what it's like being behind-the-scenes of the popular programme - saying he finds some aspects of filming 'super bizarre'.
Scientist and researcher Ennis made his debut on the series last week, joining fellow Chasers Mark 'The Beast' Labbett, Anne 'The Governess' Hegerty, Jenny 'The Vixen' Ryan, Shaun 'The Dark Destroyer' Wallace and Paul 'The Sinnerman' Sinha.
After appearing in his first episode - which he actually filmed around 14 months before it aired - Ennis has shared some insight to what's entailed in filming the show.
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Speaking to Heart, he revealed the casting process began around three years ago, when the production team contacted him and asked him to come in to see them, as they were thinking of adding a new Chaser.
Ennis said: "I went in and I had loads of different auditions and did lots of training with them for about a year and a half, two years before we started recording."
Despite recording his first episode more than a year ago, Ennis admitted he's still not hugely used to being a Chaser.
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He continued: "The weirdest thing is the preparation before going into the studio.
"People run around after us and I find that super bizarre. You have to hide from the contestants and you're not allowed to walk around on your own."
Ennis added: "I find that really unsettling, we've even got a different queue for food, it's really bizarre."
He also said there's a bit of friendly competition between the co-stars, with Mark 'The Beast' Labbett keeping a detailed score sheet to show who's in the lead, based on 'win percentages' and the team they are up against.
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Host Bradley Walsh, meanwhile, is just as charming as he is on-screen, with Ennis insisting it's 'not an act'.
Ennis said: "Ninety percent of his job is to stop the contestants from freezing up on camera.
"People talk about the chasers as if we're the stars of the show, but we're not Brad is. He is absolutely the centre of attention."
Fans of the show may recognise Ennis from another episode from 2017, in which he featured as a contestant.
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He won £9,000 ($11,900) in total during the money building round, but his fellow contestants decided to accept lower offers from The Chaser, taking home £1,575 ($2,000) each.
Speaking about his previous stint on the show during his first appearance as a Chaser, Ennis said: "I'm the only one who knows what it's like to be down there, and how intimidating it really is."
Ennis added: "It's much nicer up here - the seats are more comfy!"
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Featured Image Credit: ITV
Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film, the chase, UK Entertainment
