More on KentOnline
Deal man Joe Harris featured on ITV’s evening quiz show The Chase on Monday night – and just missed out on a share of £23,000.
The Chase is a popular game show in which contestants pit themselves against an opponent who plays for the bank, known as ‘The Chaser’.
Contestants attempt to amass as much money as possible for a team kitty by answering quick-fire questions in a 60-second round.
Mr Harris, 45, of Dolphin Street, is a self-employed care consultant and Deal Town Rangers Under-15s colts manager.
He is a fan of the popular show and entered after being egged on by his children Mia, 17, and Dan, 15.
He said: “I’d sit watching it with the kids, getting all the questions right. I applied online, went to an audition and was successful.”
The one-hour show was filmed last July at the ITV studios in Teddington Lock, Middlesex. He was the first to face The Chaser, Paul Sinha.
Mr Harris bagged £7,000 in his first round and the other three contestants contributed a further £16,000; but they were beaten in the final chase.
The show is hosted by former professional footballer and actor, Bradley Walsh.
Mr Harris said: “Bradley is as lovely as he seems on the telly. The day we filmed, he actually had a bit of a hangover.
“He’s chatty and funny, just a genuine fella.”
Ironically, Mr Harris nearly stumbled when asked: The climax of what Shakespeare tragedy takes place off the White Cliffs of Dover?
Luckily, he correctly answered King Lear.
He said: “I’m a Shakespeare fan but my mind went blank. When you’re sitting at home the questions are so much easier.”
After watching the show on Monday night, he said: “I was pleasantly surprised, I wasn’t cringing too much.
“The whole experience was lovely apart from the fact we didn’t win any money.
“Unfortunately for us, The Chaser was on top form.”