The beloved ITV quiz show, The Chase, has embarked on an ambitious global adventure with its new spin-off, The Chase Around the World. Hosted by the ever-present Bradley Walsh, the series transplants the familiar quizzing format into a grand, travel-based competition, starting its journey amidst the historic backdrop of Rome.
This new iteration sees six pairs of contestants engaging in what is described as a 'smartest road trip in the world'. Their initial challenge involves a large-scale treasure hunt across the Italian capital, requiring them to dash between renowned tourist sites while tackling Italian-themed trivia questions. The format combines intellectual challenges with a physical race, aiming to replicate the success of popular travel-competition shows.
Key figures from the original series, including formidable Chasers Anne 'The Governess' Hegerty and Mark 'The Beast' Labbett, are integral to the new show. While Bradley Walsh oversees the broader competition, the Chasers make their presence felt, particularly during the elimination rounds. Contestants' ultimate goal is to be the fastest to reach a final checkpoint where Walsh awaits, but failure to do so can lead to a direct confrontation with a Chaser.
The slowest pair from each leg of the journey faces a 'micro-Chase' against either Labbett or Hegerty. Should they fail to triumph in this high-stakes mini-quiz, they are immediately eliminated from the game, unable to continue to the next international destination with the remaining players. This adds a critical layer of tension and consequence to the global escapade.
Despite some initial observations of a somewhat disjointed transition from the studio to the outdoor setting – with contestants often seen squinting at iPads for questions rather than directly interacting with their surroundings – the show appears to be hitting the right notes for summer viewing. The blend of competitive quizzing, international travel, and the familiar faces of Walsh and the Chasers provides a light-hearted, entertaining escape for audiences.