ITV Beat The Chasers fans took to social media to share their outrage after a contestant was handed a ‘ridiculous’ first question during the show’s latest episode

Beat The Chasers fans lashed out at the ITV quiz show after a contender was served up a ‘ridiculous’ opening question during Thursday’s (16 January) instalment. A slew of hopefuls faced off against the formidable Chasers – Mark Labbett, Shaun Wallace, Anne Hegerty, Paul Sinha, Jenny Ryan, and Darragh Ennis – with only some managing to beat the brains and bag the cash.

But Ray, the third contestant up, seemed to cop an unfavourable draw as he went toe-to-toe with the Chaser squad. His inaugural challenge posed: “In 1894, Queen Victoria bought an oil painting by Daniel Mytens of ‘Charles I and Henrietta Maria Departing for…’ what?”

Host Bradley Walsh couldn’t help but burst out: “What is that for a first question?!” before reeling off the trio of potential answers; The Chase, The Apprentice and The Twilight Zone.

The contestant was left puzzled ( 
Image:
ITV)
Ray guessed The Twilight Zone, though sadly, Bradley had to reveal the correct response was actually The Chase. The deflated player conceded that he was entirely in the dark over the difficult question, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Fans of Beat The Chasers aired their frustration on social media. One person said on X: “That was a s*** first question, they should invite him back next series #beatthechasers.”

Another echoed the sentiment, tweeting: “#beatthechasers What a b****y ridiculous first question,” while someone else said: “Getting that as 1st Question seemed a bit harsh #beatthechasers.”

A fourth viewer of the ITV programme commented: “That was an awful first question. I don’t understand why they broadcast the people that get the first question wrong and can’t play on. If that were me I definitely wouldn’t want to be on tv! #BeatTheChasers.”

Viewers branded the question ‘ridiculous’ ( 
Image:
ITV)
In other parts of the show, contestants bagged some hefty sums, with one walking away £50,000 richer and another pocketing £30,000. The episode’s first contestant, Daniel, nabbed £30k after flawlessly outsmarting the Chasers, despite being handed less than 40 seconds on the clock.

The Chase star Mark Labbett, aka The Beast, even gave a shout-out to the impressive victory on social media, posting: “I think that is only the second time the chasers have been beaten despite playing perfectly. A time offer of less than 40 seconds is huge! #beatthechasers.”

The win sent viewers into a frenzy, with one fan exclaiming: “Played that absolutely perfect! Congrats,” and another praising: “Well done Daniel! What a great performance, and so close too! Enjoy your winnings!