Mark Labbett steps in as The Chase host Bradley Walsh faces huge backlash over 'cruel' decision
'I can guarantee that the adjudicator made that call'
Bradley Walsh faced huge backlash last night (January 20) for a decision that many fans of The Chase branded “cruel”.
Last night’s episode saw Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett take on the team. And, as it came to the Final Chase, complaints came in thick and fast.
What happened on The Chase last night?
Marsha and Ian made it through to the Final Chase with £45,000. The Final Chase started off well, as pair managed to answer 18 questions correctly. However, disaster struck when it came to the pushbacks.
Bradley – who’s in the running to host Strictly Come Dancing, according to reports – asked: “In the Bible, King David saw which beautiful woman bathing?” Mark answered Jezebel and got the answer wrong. Bradley then asked Marsha and Ian the question.
They deliberated, before Marsha, said: “Errr Helen.” Bradley then said: “Need an answer please.” Marsha and Ian both answered at the same time. Marsha repeated her answer of Helen, while Ian said Bathsheba.
His answer was correct, and he had been appointed the spokesperson of the pair. However, Bradley explained: “Bathsheba is correct. However, Marsha, without nomination, looked at me and called the answer first, which was Helen. I have to accept the first answer, so I have to tell you that is wrong.”
Mark ended up winning the Final Chase with one second remaining. “That is hard to take, I’ve got to say,” said Bradley, telling them The Chase “was over”.
The Chase fans threaten to switch off and Bradley Walsh is to blame
Complaints poured in. One viewer said: “Now that was just cruel! A rematch needs to happen!” A second said: “Cheating [bleep]s on #thechase. Both gave answers at the same time. So it should have been clarified which answer was to be taken. If Marsha hadn’t been nominated as Walsh claimed, her answer should have been ignored.”
A third commented: “Technically, Marsha wasn’t the spokesperson so her Helen answer should have been overlooked.” Another said they wouldn’t be watching again: “I’ve watched The Chase for years. Not any more @BradleyWalsh.”
“That was absolute daylight robbery. Brad is just a jobsworth,” another posted.
Mark Labbett steps in
However, one tweeter got more than he bargained for after posting his criticism of the iconic presenter. “Disgraceful making rules up on the spot, Brad,” he said.
Mark Labbett was having none of it, though, and quickly stepped in to defend the host. Responding, he said: “I can guarantee that the adjudicator made that call rather than Brad.”
Read more: Bradley Walsh announces huge new Chase spin-off show
