The Christmas special of the popular quiz show The Chase aired on December 25, 2023, featuring four celebrity contestants who aimed to raise money for their chosen charities. However, viewers quickly expressed their confusion over the episode’s theme, which combined festive elements with a spooky twist inspired by The Addams Family.
Presenter Bradley Walsh welcomed a lineup of celebrities, including Kate Silverton, Ruthie Henshall, Iain Stirling, and Rev Richard Coles. The episode was branded as both a “Christmas special” and a “fancy dress special,” leading to mixed reactions from fans who expected a more traditional holiday theme.
Confusion Over the Theme
As the episode began, Anne Hegerty, known as The Governess, made a striking entrance dressed as Morticia Addams, complete with a long black sparkly dress and dramatic makeup. While her outfit was eye-catching, many fans took to social media to question the choice of theme. Comments poured in on X, with viewers asking, “Is this a Christmas special or a Halloween special?” and “Why is this a Halloween special when it’s Christmas?”
The juxtaposition of Halloween costumes against Christmas decorations left many feeling uncertain. One viewer remarked, “I’m totally confused! ITV showing a Christmas special of The Chase but it’s clearly a Halloween theme,” while another quipped, “Halloween but with tinsel?”
Celebrity Contestants Take the Stage
Despite the thematic confusion, the gameplay proceeded with enthusiasm. Kate Silverton kicked off the competition with a strong performance during the Cash Builder round. After a challenging head-to-head against The Governess, she secured £4,000 for her team.
Next up was Rev Richard Coles, who showcased impressive general knowledge. He managed to accumulate £8,000 during the quick-fire round but chose to take a high-risk offer of £90,000. Unfortunately, he was unable to outrun The Chaser, and Walsh delivered the inevitable news: “You have been caught and for you the chase is over.”
The episode continued with Ruthie Henshall, who successfully made it to the final chase with £1,000, bringing the team’s total to £5,000. Finally, Iain Stirling faced off against The Chaser, Paul Sinha, and opted for the top offer of a staggering £175,000.
In the final chase, the trio faced Mark Labbett, known as The Beast. Despite their efforts, their total score of 15 was insufficient to win, and they were caught with 35 seconds remaining.
As the episode concluded, the celebrity contestants left empty-handed, but the unique blend of Christmas and Halloween themes left an impression on viewers, sparking discussions long after the credits rolled. For the latest updates on television and entertainment, fans can visit the Liverpool ECHO website.
