Bradley Walsh confessed to making a first-time move on an ITV show after he encountered a charming contestant on Wednesday. The team facing brainiac Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett included Alex, Nicky, Michelle, and the standout participant, Joe, a 78-year-old Chelsea pensioner from London, resplendent in his full uniform adorned with numerous medals. Joe impressed right from the start, answering four questions correctly in the cash builder round before going head-to-head with Mark and securing £4,000 for the final chase. After his stellar performance, Bradley couldn’t resist giving Joe a high-five, confessing: “I’ve never done this before.”
Despite the heartwarming moment, the game ended in defeat for Joe, as Mark swiftly dispatched him along with Michelle and Alex, denying them a slice of the £9,000 prize pot, reports the Daily Star.
Joe, nonetheless, captured the hearts of viewers, with many flocking to Twitter during the show to express their admiration. One fan wrote: “Joe has such a youthful face for a pensioner. Seems like a thoroughly nice, happy chap.” Another chimed in: “I want Joe to win. The others can do one.” A third viewer praised: “Joe on #thechase, what a top bloke.” And post-game, a fourth lamented: “Only gutted for Joe #thechase.”
Earlier in the show, Joe shared with Bradley his experiences as a Chelsea Pensioner, including running a weekly quiz at the Royal Chelsea Hospital and the myriad activities available for its residents. “I live with 274 other veterans in the barracks,” Joe explained. “We are ambassadors for the veteran community and I’ve been to several places on duty. “I also run a quiz on a Monday, bingo on a Tuesday and there’s a local radio station and I’m a presenter on that.
“And then there’s Scrabble, our own bowls team, we have a putting green, and an art group.”
Asked by Bradley what he would spend winnings on, Joe added: “Well, I love to travel. I went to Canada a couple of years ago but I have a friend in Melbourne who I’d love to go and see.
“Failing that I’d love to do a battlefield tour of the American Civil War.”
Sadly it wasn’t to be though, as Joe left empty handed. The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
