The Chase host Larry Emdur talks about biggest win ever on popular Channel Seven game show
Having been a game show host for more than three decades, Larry Emdur is no stranger to delivering life-changing news. But his latest, awarding the biggest prize ever won on The Chase, was an 'unreal' feeling.
One of Australian television's best-known faces — thanks to game show compere roles dating back to The Main Event in 1991 and including Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right, and now the popular Seven afternoon quiz show — the 60-year-old said hosts got to know contestants in the studio, making major victories special moments.
The latest major winning episode of The Chase will go to air next week and will forever change the lives of four contestants.
Emdur, also the co-host of The Morning Show, said the big prize meant a lot to the lucky winners, given the cost-of-living crisis affecting so many families.
'For some people it's going to make a whole lot of difference,' he told The Sunday Times.
'Everyone has different needs and wants in their life, but when you start talking money like that, you know you're gonna make a big difference to somebody — and as a game show host for like 30 or 40 years that's a really special place to be.
'I really love being there for those moments.
'In this environment, in this climate, I think it's great, everyone's looking for a bit of extra cash, and I just think it was a terrific opportunity,' he said.
'It's such a big milestone for The Chase, I think now people know they can come in and play for proper money . . . if they have a good go in there, they can walk away with a whole lot of money.'
Emdur said the cash gave the contestants, everyday Aussies, a chance to achieve bucket-list activities or pay off a mortgage.
'Some people ordinarily will have a mortgage or some credit card debt they've desperately been trying to clear, or often you hear people who've got an old car they haven't been able to replace,' he said.
'It's not a $70 million Lotto win, I know that but you come in to have fun for an hour and then walk away with something that can absolutely make a difference,' he said.
'When I started I was young and didn't really appreciate it. It hasn't been until lately — people I see at the airport, at the shop or online — (where it's) getting to me.
'That for me is very special. I feel very lucky to be in that position.'
Emdur has hosted The Chase for the past four years but has confirmed he doesn't have a favourite of the show's experts, known as Chasers, who challenge the show's contestants.
'I love them all for their qualities and what they bring to the table, and I'm usually surprised to know who's coming out most of the time,' he said.
Winner of last year's Gold Logie for most popular personality of Australian TV, Emdur says life has changed little since his victory, apart from the tattoo on his backside. He promised to tattoo his bum with the initials of his fellow nominees and her pulled through, getting the ink on live TV.
'That was weird but it was really special to me,' he recalled. 'I've been in Sydney for a long time and it was very, very special to be recognised in that way.
'Both of those Logies mean a lot to me and and aged 60 I never thought I'd be celebrating that sort of thing and it was a very special moment
'I was basking in glory for a long time but now back to normal running and my mate's are like, 'Shut up, we never wanna hear about the Logies again'.'
As for the trophy itself, Emdur's wife Sylvie 'keeps moving it around' and it may be at the 'back of the bar'.
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