The Chase Sparks Outrage Over Contestant's Passive Final Round Performance
ITV's popular quiz show The Chase ignited a storm of viewer fury during Monday's episode, as contestant Parminder failed to actively participate in the critical final round, leading to the team's defeat. The incident unfolded during the teatime broadcast from ITV studios, where host Bradley Walsh introduced four new contestants: James, Adele, Parminder, and Liz, who faced off against formidable chaser Mark 'The Beast' Labbett.
Contestants' Journey to the Final Chase
James set a strong precedent by securing £4,000 in the cash-builder round and successfully navigating the head-to-head to reach the final chase, contributing his winnings to the team prize pot. Adele from Manchester matched James's £4,000 in the cash-builder but was eliminated in the one-on-one round with only two questions remaining. Parminder, despite earning just £2,000 in the cash-builder, surprised viewers by bringing his earnings back and securing a spot in the final chase. Liz, the final contestant, earned £4,000 but was eliminated after only four questions in the head-to-head round.
The Controversial Final Round
With only James and Parminder remaining, the team entered the final chase with a two-point head start. During the intense two-minute finale, James answered 12 questions correctly, frequently seeking assistance from Parminder. However, when chaser Mark Labbett took his turn, offering three push-back opportunities, Parminder remained largely passive. Despite conferring with James, the responsibility fell heavily on James to provide answers, with Parminder contributing minimally.
Viewers quickly took to social media platform X to express their frustration, with one user commenting, "Well played Parminder, 0, what a legend," while another added, "Parminder just watched that unfold." Further criticism included queries like "Was Parminder on another planet?" and "Did Parminder even understand the point of being on The Chase?" highlighting the perceived poor sportsmanship.
Outcome and Broadcast Details
Ultimately, The Beast caught up with the team with 38 seconds remaining, leaving them with no prize money. The incident has sparked discussions about contestant dynamics and teamwork on the show. The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV1, with catch-up available on ITVX, continuing to draw audiences with its blend of general knowledge challenges and dramatic confrontations.
