There’s something captivating about diving into a show so deeply that it becomes an obsession.
For one fan of The Chase, this obsession has led to a decade-long journey of watching 2,270 episodes of the popular ITV quiz show, hosted by Bradley Walsh.
But it’s not just passive viewing for this superfan; it’s been a thorough, data-driven exploration of every aspect of the show.
The Numbers Behind the Obsession
This 52-year-old from Kent has taken fandom to a whole new level, recording detailed statistics for each episode.
From tracking contestant performance to noting the prize pots accumulated, the superfan has compiled an impressive database that covers everything: the accuracy of each Chaser’s answers, their speeds during the Final Chase, and so much more.
Despite all this dedication, there is one elusive episode he’s been searching for: a 2013 charity special featuring ITV news presenters.
According to him, the episode has never been repeated, and it’s become a bit of a mystery in his quest.
A Show of Dedication and Data
The superfan’s journey into The Chase wasn’t always so meticulous.
He admits that he only started seriously watching after over 1,000 episodes had aired, and his binge-watching marathon was no small task.
Once he began collecting data in 2016, he realized he had missed a large chunk of the show.
“I had to go back and watch all those episodes I hadn’t documented, which was obviously quite time-consuming,” he recalls.
But, for him, it was worth the effort.
A Hub of Chase Facts
Today, the fan runs a website called One Question Shootout, where fellow enthusiasts can explore his extensive statistics, covering everything from individual Chasers and contestants to various trivia about the show.
His site has even been used in university projects and analyses, thanks to his deep knowledge and accurate records.
“I’ve had statisticians use my data to make their own analyses,” he says, proud of how far his passion has taken him.
Interactions with the Stars
It’s not just the numbers that make this superfan stand out—his interactions with the The Chase stars have also garnered attention.
He recalls creating a cricket-style scorecard for Chaser Paul Sinha’s 200th episode, which eventually caught the eye of Mark Labbett.
Labbett appreciated the effort, even sharing his middle name for the scorecard.
“It was fun, and I’m glad other people enjoyed it,” he adds, though he admits not all of his attempts at humor, like anagramming Chasers’ names for a Countdown appearance, were as successful.
The Reality Behind the Scenes
Having attended the filming of The Chase three times, this superfan is privy to a few behind-the-scenes secrets.
The episodes we see on TV are a condensed version of a much longer recording, with segments often taking more than three hours to film.
He’s also learned about the challenges of getting things just right—like when a contestant’s answer is disputed and must be verified by an independent adjudicator.
This insider knowledge gives him an even deeper appreciation for the show’s production.
Would He Ever Compete?
Given his vast knowledge of The Chase, one might wonder if this superfan would ever consider stepping up to the plate as a contestant.
“I do quizzes locally with friends, but going on a TV show with strangers is a different experience,” he says.
Still, after years of closely following the show, he admits that maybe it’s time to put his skills to the test on the actual quiz.
The Chase airs weekdays on ITV1 at 5 pm and is also available to stream on ITVX.