The Mirror exclusively revealed that Irish boffin Darragh, a researcher at the University of Oxford, has become the sixth hunter to join the ITV series – three years after his turn as a candidate.
However, his last round on The Chase did not have a happy ending and his staggering losses turned him into a viral sensation.
Darragh performed exceptionally well for his team, cashing in on a whopping £ 9,000 just to keep his teammates wasting £ 2,700 on lower bids.
Viewers were so exasperated that they launched a #Justicefordarragh campaign and a crowdfunding page to help him recover his Gofundme losses.
However, Darragh urged fans of The Chase not to be so harsh on his teammates, saying, “It’s much easier on the couch.”
The brain box added: ” #the hunt Thanks for all the support, but I would appreciate it if people would relieve my teammates. It’s hard in front of the cameras. “
Darragh then asked that all campaign fundraising be donated to a charity.
Three years after the drama, Darragh will join Anne Hegarty and Paul Sinha to fight the teams to keep them from earning money in the show presented by Bradley Walsh.
A source in the show told The Mirror, “Darragh has what it takes to be a hunter, he has been tested and passed with flying colors.
“They don’t bring new members to The Chase regularly, so it’s a big deal for the series and Darragh. Viewers will be very interested to see how he is doing.
“The show is so popular with derivative shows now too, so there is a need to increase the team.
“No one is leaving, Darragh is really an addition to the team. “
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Host Bradley hinted last November that more hunters may be on their way.
“So, therefore, we have been trying to find other people who will be suitable, and everything will be revealed next year. “
When asked if it meant more than one new Chaser joining the team, he replied, “There could be more than one, who knows. But it’s a real jolt. ”
He then told Good Morning Britain: “We now have a brand new Chaser for another new series. It’s perfect. “