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Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Shaun Wallace's life away from The Chase from private romance to huge salary
Shaun Wallace, who is better known as The Dark Destroyer on ITV's The Chase, has had an impressive career both as a barrister and television personality - but little is known about his personal life. Shaun Wallace, fondly known as The Dark Destroyer on ITV's hit quiz show The Chase, has become a familiar face in many homes. He shares the spotlight with host Bradley Walsh and a team of knowledgeable quizzers. The programme made its debut in June 2009, with Shaun and fellow quizzer Mark Labbett being part of the original line-up. They remain key figures on the show today, alongside Anne Hegerty, Paul Sinha, Jenny Ryan and Darragh Ennis. Before his rise to TV fame, Shaun was a practising criminal barrister, appearing in hearings at both the Old Bailey and numerous magistrates' courts across England, Wales and Scotland. His life took an exciting turn in 2004 when he clinched victory in the BBC general knowledge quiz Mastermind, choosing FA Cup Finals as his specialist subject. This triumph caught the eye of Bradley Walsh and his production crew, leading to Shaun being recruited by ITV as the inaugural chaser on The Chase. His popularity on the show paved the way for a host of other opportunities, including hosting quizzes on cruise ships, writing his own autobiography Catching A Dream, and making countless other TV appearances, according to Bristol Live. Despite his public persona, little is known about Shaun's personal life. Here, we delve into his life away from the cameras. Huge salary In a recent chat, Shaun unveiled his impressive dual income, revealing that he now commands a hefty six-figure salary for his work as a barrister and TV star. Mastermind champion Shaun Wallace has credited his quiz show triumph for a dramatic boost in his wealth. Chatting about his financial status to The Times, the quizzing whizz gave a wry response: "A lot. That's all I'll say. How many zeros?" Although he remained coy on exact figures, Shaun opened up about his considerable financial leap: "Well into six-zero territory and my earnings have increased massively since I've started working in TV. I got paid well as a barrister but I'm now earning about ten times the amount I was before," revealing that television had significantly multiplied his income. Despite becoming a household name on television, Shaun hasn't entirely left the law behind as he said: "I still practise, though, so I have a dual income. Probably 70 percent of my income comes from my TV work and 30 percent from the legal side. Everything changed when I won Mastermind in 2004. Not just my finances, my whole life." Private romance When it comes to matters of the heart, Shaun, affectionately dubbed The Dark Destroyer on The Chase, tends to keep the cards close to his chest regarding his love life. Nevertheless, during his chat with Loose Women's Kaye Adams on the How To Be 60 podcast, he intriguingly hinted at his love life. He cryptically said: "I suppose I'm married to my career. Put it that way. I like that. I prefer that and I'm happier." When pressed about having someone special, Shaun simply stated: "Yes, I'm in a relationship." Family admission At 64, Shaun has consistently kept his private affairs out of the limelight, resulting in scant public knowledge of his personal endeavours. However, in an unusual move, the recognisable ITV personality shared insights into his home life on a recent podcast. Addressing whether he has ever had children, Shaun revealed: "No, I have never had a child." He justified his lack of fatherhood with reference to his past struggles as a budding barrister, claiming that the demands of his early legal career didn't align with responsible parenting. Shaun recounted on the podcast: "It was a conscious reason when I was a young struggling barrister. I didn't think it would be right to bring up a child when you're trying to climb to the top of that greasy pole." Though he hasn't experienced parenthood himself, Shaun has played a significant part in guiding several children as a godparent. Shaun freely admitted: "And I've never regretted that decision. I've got 15 godchildren. Two of them are called Shaun and I'm the best godfather in the world. I probably would have been a great dad but I've got no regrets in relation to that." The TV star also treasures his involvement in his ex-partner's child's life, considering it an exceptionally rewarding experience. He beamed with pride as he noted that she is akin to his own daughter, and affectionately calls him 'dad'. Reflecting on her accomplishments, Shaun said: "I watched her grow into a lovely young lady. She got a first-class honours degree recently and she got her doctorate the other day and I was there." Retirement plans Quiz master Shaun Wallace recently celebrated his 64th birthday, sparking curiosity among fans about whether he plans to retire from his famous role as The Dark Destroyer on Bradley Walsh's smash-hit quiz show, The Chase. Even though Shaun has been a constant fixture on The Chase since its inception in June 2009, he shows no signs of slowing down or retiring any time soon. In an exclusive chat with the New Zealand Woman's Weekly, he affirmed his commitment to continuing his vocation without interruption. Expressing his passion for his work and quizzing, Shaun bravely disclosed: "I'm celebrating 40 years in the job this year and I have no plans to retire at 65 - I love it. I love quizzing too, so I will be doing that for as long as I can." Shaun humbly shared his down-to-earth perspective on the show's impressive run. He confessed: "I never take being on The Chase for granted. I know it could all end tomorrow, and I still pinch myself that we are celebrating our 15th anniversary this year." The Chase is available to watch on ITVX.
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Inside The Chase star Shaun Wallace's life from retirement plans to family admission
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Shaun Wallace, fondly known as The Dark Destroyer on ITV's beloved quiz show The Chase, has become a familiar face in many homes. He shares the spotlight with host Bradley Walsh and a squad of quiz whizzes. The programme made its debut in June 2009, with Shaun and fellow star Mark Labbett being part of the original line-up. They remain key figures on the show today, joined by Anne Hegerty, Paul Sinha, Jenny Ryan and Darragh Ennis. Prior to his rise to TV fame, Shaun was a practising criminal barrister, appearing in hearings at both the Old Bailey and numerous magistrates' courts across England, Wales and Scotland. His life took an exciting twist in 2004 when he clinched victory in the BBC general knowledge quiz Mastermind, choosing FA Cup Finals as his specialist subject. This triumph caught the eye of Bradley Walsh and his production crew, leading to Shaun being headhunted by ITV to become the inaugural chaser on The Chase. His popularity on the show paved the way for a host of other opportunities, including hosting quizzes on cruise ships, writing his own autobiography Catching A Dream, and making countless other TV appearances, according to Bristol Live. Despite his celebrity status, little is known about Shaun's personal life. Here, we delve into his life off-screen. Seven-figure earnings (Image: (Image: ITV)) In a recent chat, Shaun unveiled his impressive dual income, revealing that he now commands a hefty six-figure salary for his work as a barrister and TV personality. Mastermind champion Shaun has credited his victory on the popular quiz show for a significant boost in his bank balance. In a chat with The Times about his financial situation, Shaun coyly hinted at his increased earnings with a playful comment: "A lot. That's all I'll say. How many zeros?" He revealed that he is now: "Well into six-zero territory and my earnings have increased massively since I've started working in TV. I got paid well as a barrister but I'm now earning about ten times the amount I was before." Despite his rise to TV fame, Shaun also mentioned maintaining his career in law: "I still practise, though, so I have a dual income. Probably 70 percent of my income comes from my TV work and 30 percent from the legal side. Everything changed when I won Mastermind in 2004. Not just my finances, my whole life." Private romance (Image: Instagram: @theshaunwallace) Regarding his private life, Shaun, who is better known as The Dark Destroyer on The Chase, tends to keep details of his romantic encounters under wraps. During his candid chat with Loose Women's Kaye Adams on the How To Be 60 podcast, Shaun unexpectedly disclosed some personal updates about his romantic life. Carefully playing his cards close to his chest, he quipped: "I suppose I'm married to my career. Put it that way. I like that. I prefer that and I'm happier." When pressed about a significant other, Shaun simply stated: "Yes, I'm in a relationship." Never raising children (Image:) The 64-year-old typically reticent about his private affairs, offered insights into his personal life during a recent appearance on a podcast, revealing information often shielded from the limelight. Addressing the topic of fatherhood, Shaun admitted: "No, I have never had a child." He attributed his decision not to start a family to the demands of his budding barrister career, indicating that climbing the legal ladder hardly seemed compatible with responsible parenting. Shaun elaborated on his reasoning during the podcast, saying: "It was a conscious reason when I was a young struggling barrister. I didn't think it would be right to bring up a child when you're trying to climb to the top of that greasy pole." While he has not had any children of his own, Shaun has assumed a nurturing role in the lives of many as a godfather, undertaking parental responsibilities multiple times over. Shaun expressed unwavering satisfaction with his life decisions, declaring: "And I've never regretted that decision. I've got 15 godchildren. Two of them are called Shaun and I'm the best godfather in the world. I probably would have been a great dad but I've got no regrets in relation to that." Moreover, the television presenter plays a significant part in his ex's child's life, seeing this bond as truly meaningful. Beaming with joy, he explained how she became akin to a daughter for him, with her even referring to him as dad. With a tone of pure pride, Shaun remarked on witnessing her grow up: "I watched her grow into a lovely young lady. She got a first-class honours degree recently and she got her doctorate the other day and I was there." Retirement plans (Image: (Image: ITV)) The ITV star recently marked his 64th birthday, sparking queries from devotees about whether he envisaged hanging up his The Dark Destroyer persona on Bradley Walsh's smash-hit ITV programme, The Chase. Having been an integral fixture of The Chase since its debut in June 2009, Shaun shows zero signs of wanting to bow out. During a heart-to-heart with New Zealand Woman's Weekly, he voiced his plan to carry on in his vocation. He confidently disclosed: "I'm celebrating 40 years in the job this year and I have no plans to retire at 65 - I love it. I love quizzing too, so I will be doing that for as long as I can." Shaun recognised the transient world of television and maintained a grounded perspective on the longevity of the popular quiz show. Sharing his thoughts, he said: "I never take being on The Chase for granted. I know it could all end tomorrow, and I still pinch myself that we are celebrating our 15th anniversary this year." The Chase is available to watch on ITVX.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The Chase's Anne Hegerty goes from Governess to Fairy Rose in exciting career move
Anne Hegerty has been known as the Governess on quiz show The Chase since 2010, but now she is set to take on a new role in Scarborough Spa Hall. Known best for her role as the headstrong Governess on ITV's The Chase, Anne Hegerty is now set to swap her TV persona for the theatre stage as she has been confirmed to be reprising an exciting role over the festive period. It has been announced on X that from December 6, the 66-year-old will once again take on the role of The Fairy Rose in Scarborough Spa's production of Beauty and the Beast. The show is set to run until January 1, 2026. "Back by popular demand", Anne will be transforming into the Fairy Rose at Spa Hall in Scarborough, reports the Express, who is otherwise known as the Enchanted Rose in the 1991 film. The post said: "We are delighted to announce that back by popular demand for Beauty and the Beast will be The Governess, Anne Hegerty! Keep your eyes peeled for MORE star names to follow." Anne is not the only star to be revealed in the poster, as singer Jake Quickenden is also revealed to be playing the role of the villainous Gaston in the festive production. This certainly isn't Anne's pantomime debut, as she had previously showcased her talents in a 2014 production of Cinderella at the Grange Theatre as the Wicked Stepmother. She then went on to play the Empress of China in Aladdin and Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty. Speaking about how she kick started her career in the panto world, Anne shared that she was contacted by a theatre producer after she set up an X account. She told the Swindon Advertiser in 2022: "I did panto [but] I was really fairly terrible the first time. I was technically bad, I used to miss cues, so I stumbled through it. Then I got offered more and I've been doing it ever since. "I enjoy doing the panto, it's a chance to act and a chance to sing, a chance to act, a chance to be funny more than one gets in The Chase. "This year I'm Fairy Flutterby, I'm not strictly a villain, I do turn the Beast into the Beast, but I was only doing it to teach him a lesson." Anne has also teased fans about possibly venturing into acting, as last year she revealed a fellow quiz show colleague had written a sitcom role specifically for her. Chatting on the 'A Very Tall Man' podcast, she said: "I'd love to be on a TV show or a film. I know various people who are trying to get things off the ground," and "One of them is the guy on The Chase, he's written a sitcom with a part for me." She went on to express excitement about the project, saying: "It would be brilliant to get that made." However, while Anne seems to be excited about scripted roles, she has ruled out the idea of returning to reality TV. After her appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2018, she said: "The jungle is about as big as you can get. Everything else is a bit of a step down. I don't want to do another reality show unless it involves something I want to get better at. I think I'm done." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
The 1% Club players stumped on tricky maths question as 13 players pass – but could you have got it right?
THE 1% Club left contestants scratching their heads after a devilishly tricky maths question saw just 13 players pass just to make it through. The hit ITV quiz show, fronted by funnyman 5 Many players were stumped on a maths question Credit: ITV 5 Lee was shocked to learn 13 players used their pass Credit: ITV Instead of testing players on their general knowledge, 100 contestants try their luck at solving riddles within 30 seconds. On The 1% Club, they are whittled down round by round as they are tasked with using their logic, reasoning skills, and common sense. With every player that gets eliminated, £1,000 gets added to the prize pot as the players try to answer questions that certain percentages of the public would get right. The players that remain at the end will fight to win a potentially huge jackpot prize and a chance at joining the prestigious one percent club. more on the 1% club But the the 35% question saw a whopping 13 players use their pass. Lee showed a picture of a coloured pie chart with numbers and asked: "What number replaces the question mark when you read it clockwise from the start?" The remaining players faces looked puzzled as they tried to figure out the answer within the 30 seconds. Lee then revealed the right answer was 27 as they alternate segments reveal consecutive multiples of three and 27 is the next number in the three times table. Most read in Reality Lee was stunned to see that a massive 13 players used their pass to get through to the next round. The episode also saw an 'easy' common sense riddle The 1% Club players stumped by 'easy' question that knocks out 23 people - would you have got it- When Lee moved onto the 70% question, he asked the remaining players to solve a question. Lee said: "John writes with his right hand and the last word he'd right if he was writing this sentence would be be. "If Keith writes with his left hand, what would be the last word he would write in the sentence above?" Of course the answer was the word 'be', as a different writing hand would not change the last word, something which many viewers playing along got correct. Hardest Quiz Show Questions Would you know the answers to some of quizzing TV's hardest questions Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Earlier this year, The 1% Club - Viewers of Lee Mack's popular ITV show were left The Chase - The ITV daytime favourite left fans scratching their heads when it threw up However, a whopping 23 players in the studio answered the riddle incorrectly and they were eliminated from the game. Viewers took to social media in droves as they couldn't believe so many players left the game after such an 'easy' question One wrote: "How t* have 23 gone out?? Being left handed doesn't mean you write words in the wrong order." Another added: "Too many people thinking too hard on that one #The1PercentClub." A third penned: "TWENTY THREE out on THAT?!?!" The 1% Club is available to watch on ITV1 and stream on ITVX. 5 Many viewers said the question was 'easy' - but would you have got it right? Credit: itv 5 The different hands would not have effected the structure of the sentence Credit: ITV 5 23 players were eliminated from The 1% Club in a shocking round Credit: ITV
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The Chase star with surprising new job away from ITV quiz show
It's been revealed that a star of The Chase has recently landed a surprising new job away from the ITV quiz show. Anne Hegerty, 66, better known as The Governess on the Bradley Walsh general knowledge series, has been part of The Chase for 16 years. Since 2010, she has sometimes taken on other work in between recordings, even appearing on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2018. Among those other opportunities Anne has taken up is her history of performing in Christmas pantomimes up and down the country since 2014. And it's been announced this week that her surprising job away from The Chase is being picked back up again, with Christmas 2025 shows already booked in. The news was broken by the X account of the Spa Hall in Scarborough, which is an entertainment, conferencing, and wedding venue in the north east town. In a post, the account said: 'We are delighted to announce that back by popular demand for Beauty and the Beast will be The Governess, Anne Hegerty!' The Scarborough Spa then promised more star names, with TV presenter Jake Quickenden among them, playing the role of Gaston in the production. In the refashioned Beauty and the Beast, Anne – 'back by popular demand' – will be playing the Fairy Rose, otherwise known as the Enchanted Rose in the 1991 film. The Enchanted Rose acts as something of a clock for the Beast, with each falling petal reminding him of the time he's got – or hasn't got – left to find his true love. Scarborough Spa's productions of Beauty and the Beast will run from December 6, 2025 all the way through to New Year's Day in 2026. Despite this seeming like a surprising turn for Anne, the truth is that, when she's not playing The Chase as The Governess, she's been performing in panto for years. Starting in 2014, she first appeared in a Northwich production of Cinderella, starring as one of the wicked stepmothers at the Cheshire-based Grange Theatre. More Trending Later on, she starred as the Empress of China in a re-telling of Aladdin in Torquay, before trading the south coast for the north east in a Middlesbrough-born production of Sleeping Beauty. In 2022, she revealed that she started to be approached by panto directors after setting up a Twitter account – back when it was still called Twitter and relatively new. 'I did panto [but] I was really fairly terrible the first time. I was technically bad, I used to miss cues, so I stumbled through it. Then got offered more and I've been doing it ever since,' she told the Swindon Advertiser. View More » She continued: 'I enjoy doing the panto, it's a chance to act and a chance to sing, a chance to act, a chance to be funny more than one gets in The Chase.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The Chase star points out major issue 'ruining' rival ITV gameshow MORE: TV fans are left 'completely traumatised' over bizarre phone sex scene MORE: 'It was electrifying': All 10 Britain's Got Talent finalists on making it to the end
