Friends and family of a man who died before his successful appearance on The Chase went to air have gathered at a Manchester pub to watch the episode, just weeks after he died.
Teacher Tim McCarthy, 64, who won a nail biting episode, had completed his ambition to compete on the quiz show before he died.
He had been battling a long illness.
The BBC reported his victory was “greeted with roars” by the crowd, who filled The Colliers pub in Greater Manchester.
Before the episode aired, only his widow, Rachel McCarthy, along with his three children knew of his win.
Speaking to the BBC, Rachel said: “He liked to punch the air when he won on the horses and this was a punch-the-air moment.
“Tim was so scared they wouldn’t let him compete if they knew about his diagnosis. So he didn’t tell them.”
Rachel described his $115,000 victory as “very narrow”, but said she and her late husband “had to keep it a secret”.
“He beat The Chaser by a second with his fellow competitor.
“Sadly, we never got to spend his £50,000 prize as his health deteriorated and we couldn’t even go on a holiday.”
She said her husband was a massive fan of the show – and hoped the episode could serve another purpose.
“I watched it last night to prepare myself – it is a tough day but I posted on Facebook that I want it to be a celebration of his life.”
The Chase will soon be arriving in New Zealand when Paul Henry hosts a series of shows – with the broadcast date yet to be announced.
The Chase is on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+ daily at 5pm.
