Anne Hegerty, the beloved star of ITV's The Chase, has opened up about her personal struggles with autism and how it shaped her career in a heartfelt new interview.
The 65-year-old quizzer, known as 'The Governess' on the hit show, shared her experiences of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder later in life and the challenges she faced in the workplace.
A Late Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Hegerty revealed she wasn't diagnosed with autism until her late 40s, which helped explain many of the difficulties she encountered throughout her professional life. 'I always knew I was different,' she admitted, 'but having that diagnosis finally made sense of everything.'
Overcoming Workplace Challenges
The TV personality spoke candidly about how her condition affected her ability to hold down regular jobs before finding success on The Chase. 'Traditional workplaces were incredibly difficult for me,' Hegerty explained. 'The sensory overload, the social expectations - it was all too much.'
Her breakthrough came when she discovered the world of quizzing, where her encyclopedic knowledge and focus became assets rather than obstacles.
Becoming a Role Model
Now, Hegerty has become an inspiration to many in the autism community, proving that neurodiversity doesn't have to be a barrier to success. 'If I can help even one person understand that being different doesn't mean being less, then that's wonderful,' she said.
The quizzer also discussed how The Chase production team has been supportive in accommodating her needs, creating an environment where she can thrive.
