Beat The Chasers was back tonight in a very tense episode that left fans at home fuming. Viewers took to Twitter to complain about the show as they watched one contestant lose out on thousands of pounds for charity with just one second to go.
Bradley Walsh hosted tonight’s ITV quiz show, as Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Shobna Gulati, David James and Will Bayley took on the Chasers. The contestants went up against Mark Labbett, Anne Hegerty, Shaun Wallace, Paul Sinha, Jenny Ryan and Darragh Ennis, hoping to win big money for their chosen charities.
Changing Rooms host Laurence was up first, as he tested his wit against the quiz masters. After a decent first round, he opted to go up against four chasers for £30,000, giving them 38 seconds on the clock.
Making his decision he said: “It certainly feels like a very exciting opportunity to go big. Look at you all. But I’m going to go with 38.”
In a very tense round, Laurence was sadly beaten with just one second to spare. Fans at home were flabbergasted as they said he deserved to win.
Praising the contestant, Bradley said: “Literally down to the wire. Good answers.” Laurence said: “I will be back. And I will have you all.”
Despite missing out on the huge jackpot, the DIY expert did not go home empty handed. He was still awarded £1,000 for his chosen charity – Shooting Stars Children’s Hospice.
Viewers of the show were fuming with the outcome, however, with some accusing the show of being “fixed”.
One Twitter user wrote: “Getting very annoyed with #beatthechasers @ITV. The contestants countdown clock starts instantly.
“Bradley says their name; the chasers clock starts a second after he has said their name. Every. Single. Time. So fixed. It’s a shame as the premise is ok.”
Another added: “There’s a smell of a fix about this one #beatthechasers” Meanwhile others thought that Laurence should have been given a bigger prize for his efforts.”
Someone posted: “Damn, the Chasers beat Laurence Llewellyn Bowen with only a second to spare. They honestly should have just given him that because it was close enough. #BeatTheChasers.”
Another said: “Laurence was about to win, but he was THIS close by 1 second…! #BeatTheChasers.” A third added: “1 second! It came down to… one… bleeding… second! #BeatTheChasers”.
