I won £5k on The Chase – here’s why you should always bring spare clothes & show’s surprising Christmas episode trick
EVER wondered when game shows actually film their Christmas episodes - or how they decide contestants who are just milliseconds apart?
Up to five million viewers tune into hit ITV show The Chase each day, but unbeknown to them, there are a number of surprises they may be unaware of.
The Sun spoke to ex-The Chase players including James Hibberd, who walked away with a cool £5,000 after beating Chaser Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett.
“Game show addicts” Vivienne Radfar and Gary Woodward also spilled the beans on the show's strict costume demands and the differences between ordinary and celebrity versions.
From funnyman Bradley Walsh constantly needing info on guests to risque outfits being banned and day-long auditions, we reveal the lot.
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Skimpy contestants told to change
Finding the perfect outfit for your TV debut is no easy task but even when you’ve found the right one, it could be rejected by the production team.
Game show veteran Vivienne, 61, brought along three different outfits just in case and was instructed to wear a bright bodycon orange-red dress.
She said: “It was my favourite but my stilettos were banned because they would have made too much noise and marked the studio floor."
The retiree, from Newport Pagnell, Bucks, claims to be Britain’s most prolific game show contestant after appearing on 15 different shows and scooping £25,000 in money and prizes.
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Vivienne added that even if you have the correct clothes, they may clash with other contestants or even the presenter - so be prepared with an outfit change.
She said: “Some people had to change because their outfits were too skimpy or were showing a bit too much cleavage.
“I was convinced my dress was riding up my bottom and that my stockings were torn, thankfully they weren’t.”
James found a similar thing after being warned that certain clothes would “make the cameras strobe” and he wasn’t allowed “any offensive slogans or brands on T-shirts”.
After his outfit was approved it was taken away to be ironed and pressed while he was sent off to hair and make-up - and some contestants needed more work than others.
“It was a very surreal experience, I only have one hairstyle so there wasn’t much they could do but some contestants had a full makeover,” James added.
Christmas comes early… VERY early
Nowadays most people are aware that game shows are rarely filmed live but many would be surprised how far in advance they shoot episodes.
Gary was in the audience for The Celebrity Chase in 2013 and 2017 and went to a filming in July.
He said: “It must have been weird for the contestants seeing the crew wheel out Christmas decorations on the floor.
"It was six months before Christmas, so it must have felt very unusual.”
The TV worker also claimed the celebrity version of The Chase has a live studio audience while the normal show does not – “especially since Covid”.
Game show VAR decides winners... and losers
While facing super-boffin Chasers, contestants are expected to be at the top of their game - however, when it comes to the TV show itself, it doesn’t always measure up.
James Hibberd, 29, from Southampton, faced off with Anne Hegerty alongside a teammate in a nail-biting showdown in 2016.
They were neck-and-neck locked with the ‘The Governess’ and whether they took home money or not was so close that the producers called for outside help.
The marketing officer told The Sun: “Literally split seconds was the difference between us winning and losing, so they paused the show and went to an independent adjudicator.
“They checked if Anne answered her question before time ran out and she was literally one frame too late. It took five minutes to decide, it felt like VAR in a football match.
“They didn't tell us we had won for ages so that it was a surprise and they had a live reaction on camera – but by the time we found out I think I looked odd, I was in utter disbelief.”
Gary Woodward, 41, from Peterborough, who has made 21 game show appearances, also witnessed the verification method while watching the celebrity edition from the audience.
He told The Sun: “You may think they can be trusted to make a decision on their own but it appears these days they are scared of a lawsuit.
"Especially when large money like £100,000 is at stake.”
‘No-go areas to raise tension’
Making contestants nervous or emotional is a surefire way to ensure good TV – and while they have plenty of food and drink backstage, when the cameras start rolling it's showtime.
Vivienne claims The Chase play into that "tension" by having “no-go areas” so that players have no idea who they will face before filming begins.
“It’s designed to build up the tension and you don’t know which Chaser you will be against until you’re on the show,” she added.
Briefing Bradley
Coronation Street actor turned presenter Bradley seems polished and pristine on camera - apart from the occasional blooper where he laughs.
But the 61-year-old is apparently “briefed on every contestant” between takes to ensure he knows who he’s talking to, according to Gary.
“There are lots of breaks in the celebrity edition to ensure all their make-up and hair is up to scratch," he said.
";During that time they also tell Bradley about contestants’ hobbies and interests too."
Auditions like 'school exams'
Getting on The Chase is no easy task according to our former contestants, who claim they went through a rigorous day of testing before receiving the call-up.
James was “the only one out of 30 people” to get through his audition in Southampton and it took nearly a year before he was invited on to the show.
He said: “There were lots of different stages, one was a 10-minute quiz where you had to write down your answers, it felt like doing your exams at school.
“Then they get you to explain why you chose your answers and look for people who can talk in an engaging way.”
Vivienne attended an audition in London with around 100 people, who were then split up into groups of 10 to face a series of tough general knowledge questions.
She said: “They vary from ‘Who won the US Open in 2009?’ to ‘What is the chemical element for Iron?’ but thankfully I’d swotted up the night before.
“The producers want someone who is good at general knowledge, has a good backstory and is friendly but competitive.
“For me, I told them I was a mum, a beauty pageant queen, that I studied law, lived in Norway for three years and also that I was a keen belly dancer.
"You also have to say some interesting things about yourself and ultimately, if you’re not a risk-taker don't apply."
‘The Beast? More like The Kitten!’
The Chasers are renowned for their fierce and often overly-confident personas, which makes it all the more satisfying when 'average Joes' beat them.
Vivienne bested ‘The Beast’ in one question before losing later on in the show and claims he was surprisingly nice in real life.
She told said: “I was desperate that The Chaser for my episode was anyone other than The Beast, Mark Labbett, but of course he faced him.
“Mark is highly competitive, so I know it would be tough and it really was a battle of wits.
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“I am convinced that he didn’t think I’d prove him wrong in a question about Lady Gaga but I did and it was a great feeling.
“I met Mark later and while he’s massively tall compared to me at 5ft 3in, The Beast is actually a kitten behind the scenes. Stars are normal people and feel the pressure too.”
TIPS FOR BEATING THE CHASERS
GAME show pro Vivienne Rafar has been on 15 programmes including The Chase, Tipping Point and Mastermind – and managed to win £25,000 in prizes.
She tells The Sun her top tips for ensuring you look your best on the shows and also to try to win the top prize.
THE HOSTS - It’s critical that you don’t try to outshine the host or The Chaser, don’t expect to be best mates with them either and don’t scramble for a selfie or autograph.
BE YOURSELF - Don’t try to be someone you are not, don’t over exaggerate and don’t shout - even if it feels like you should.
ANSWER SECRETS - I’ve heard all of the conspiracy theories about people being given answers before the show and it’s utter rubbish.
ALWAYS RESEARCH - It’s always good to read about the programme and the host and watch a few episodes so you know how it works. It will make you less nervous.
THEY'RE LISTENING - Some contestants are convinced the crew have listening devices in the green room to find out who is willing to take risks and who isn’t. I don’t think it’s true but even if it is, when you’re in there it’s a general knowledge show and down to your brainpower.
BOGEY PRIZE - Most contestants are friendly and if you’re on a show when someone only wins 10p everyone often has a whip-around in the green room after
BRING SNACKS - Filming takes a long time and so being patient is key. It’s important to have a little bag of food and a water bottle to keep your energy levels up.
KEEP IT CLEAN - Sometimes people swear but that means you need to restart the taping. While the excitement can be overwhelming, keep calm. I’ve seen plenty of tantrums and tears.
ARROGANT? LOSER! - Some contestants are convinced they are going to win and can be rude to people to psyche them out. They are usually the ones to forget answers.
BE INTERESTING - Make sure you have something fun to say about yourself. I always tell them about being a mum, a pageant queen and a belly dancer because those things stick in producers’ heads.
SMELL NICE - Don’t wear super heavy perfume as it will stick up under the big studio lights but do wear extra deodorant. Standing next to someone who has forgotten to shower is awful.
OUTFIT CHECK - Always make sure you check how you look from all angles as the cameras could catch you from any viewpoint. I always advise shapewear for women, a nice bra and seamless knickers to stop lines showing through a tight outfit.
KEEP COMFORTABLE - Always pack a spare pair of tights and comfy shoes so you can take your heels off between breaks.
ALWAYS BRING SPARE CLOTHES - I’ve been on a show where two women had the exact same Marks & Spencer dress on in the same colour. One of them had to change. Other times people had to change outfits because they clashed with the presenters.
PATTERNS? NOPE! - Don’t choose black, white, florals or strips, they are a big no-no. I have a suitcase full of TV clothes all in bright block colours.