An 87-year-old contestant on The Chase has captured the hearts of viewers after pausing her appearance on the popular quiz show to pay tribute to her husband, who is living with dementia.
Ann, one of four contestants, paused before her cash builder round to make a personal request to host Bradley Walsh.
“Could I make a plug for my husband?” she asked. Walsh responded immediately, “Plug away, darling”.
Ann then addressed the camera: “His name is John, he is in a care home and they’ll all be watching. Can you say hello to John and all the staff?”
Walsh obliged, delivering a heartfelt message: “John, lots of love to you mate, everyone looking after everyone there, and especially those looking after John. Thank you so, so much from myself and Ann. Lots of love.”
Ann went on to perform strongly in the game, securing £6000 (NZ$13,732) for the team.
Fellow contestants Rhys, Bethan, and Darren added a combined £14,000 (NZ$32,041) to the prize pot.
However, Chaser Darragh ‘The Menace’ Ennis caught the team with just 12 seconds remaining, denying them the win.
Ennis is one of six Chasers currently on the show hosted by Bradley Walsh. The others are Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett, Shaun ‘the Dark Destroyer’ Wallace, Anne ‘The Governess’ Hegerty, Jenny ‘The Vixen’ Ryan and Paul ‘The Sinnerman’ Sinha.
The programme has been running since 2009.
New Zealand is set to become the 22nd country with its own Chase format when Paul Henry hosts a series of shows – the broadcast date is yet to be announced.
The Chase is on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+ daily at 5pm.
