ITV The Chase's Bradley Walsh issues brutal response as player makes show confession

The Chase host Bradley Walsh was left in disbelief, uttering a succinct "I've lost all hope" after a contestant's surprising admission early into the programme.

On Tuesday's (December 17) instalment of the popular ITV quiz show, Bradley returned to our screens with another action-packed episode.

He was accompanied by four hopefuls Tom from Twickenham, Richard from Sheffield, Sam from High Wycombe, and Gabriela from London all eager to outsmart the Chaser and secure the cash prize.

But mere moments into the show, Bradley was taken aback when Tom confessed he had mistakenly applied for the wrong show and had never actually watched an entire episode of The Chase.

As Tom geared up to face the Chaser, Bradley enquired which one he'd like to challenge. Tom, who had recently left the army and aspired to be an actor, responded: "I think I'll be happy with anyone, apart from Anne.", reports the Liverpool Echo.

Bradley appeared sceptical and probed further: "You know how this show works, right? " With Tom looking uncertain, Bradley pressed on: "You've never seen this show, have you?".

The studio fell silent as Tom revealed that although he had watched YouTube clips to familiarise himself with the format, he had never sat through a full episode, confessing to Bradley: "I've never seen the show, Bradley Walsh."

Brad was left speechless, inquiring: "So, what prompted you to come on the show? " Tom explained that he had applied for a different programme with a similar name. "But I'm delighted to be here," he added.

Brad asked the name of the programme Tom had intended to apply for, to which he replied: "Hunted." Brad's reaction was one of incredulity, as he crossed his arms and said: "The Chase. Hunted... wow. I don't hold out much hope for you, Tom."

As Tom prepared to face Mark 'The Beast' Labbett, Brad quipped: "He has no idea who you are." Despite the initial mix-up, Tom managed to secure a spot in the final after accepting a middle offer of £6,000.

The episode sparked a flurry of reactions on X (formerly Twitter), with viewers eagerly sharing their thoughts. One user wrote: "He thought this would be Hunted? ! #TheChase."

Another joked: "Never seen the chase? Play the game son #TheChase." A third viewer chimed in: "You applied for the wrong show - you wanted to be on Hunted? ! #TheChase."

The Chase airs weekdays from 5pm on ITV and ITVX