The Chase’s Oldest-Ever Contestant, 94, Leaves Bradley Walsh in Hysterics With Unexpected Joke About His Future
Bradley Walsh was left laughing uncontrollably during an episode of The Chase after the show’s oldest-ever contestant delivered a series of witty remarks, including one particularly unexpected joke about what he planned to do with any prize money.
Val, a 94-year-old retired veterinary surgeon from Solihull, quickly became the star of the ITV quiz show when his sharp sense of humour caught the presenter off guard.
Despite being just weeks away from his 95th birthday, Val showed he had lost none of his wit, winning over viewers with his playful exchanges and impressive general knowledge.
The episode, broadcast in April 2023, also featured a competitive showdown against Jenny Ryan, better known as The Vixen.
Bradley Walsh Meets a Remarkable 94-Year-Old Contestant
Val appeared alongside three other hopefuls: Andrea, a writer from Blackburn; Nabeel from Manchester; and Meng, originally from Melbourne.
The contestants were hoping to combine their knowledge and defeat The Chaser to secure a cash prize.
However, Val immediately attracted attention when Bradley introduced him as the oldest contestant ever to appear on the programme.
The retired veterinary surgeon responded with characteristic humour, admitting that he certainly felt his age after all the walking involved in getting around the studio.
But the funniest moment came when Bradley asked what he intended to do with his winnings if he managed to beat The Chaser.
Rather than discussing holidays, expensive purchases or treating himself, Val offered a surprisingly practical answer.
He explained that he would probably put the money in the bank because he expected his children would inherit it before too long.
The candid remark caught Bradley off guard, particularly when Val suggested that, at his age, he might not have much time left to spend it himself.
A Joke About His Final Resting Place Leaves Bradley Laughing
Bradley couldn’t resist teasing the contestant about his unusually matter-of-fact attitude towards life.
“It’s quite a lovely and chirpy outlook you have on life Val,” the presenter joked.
He then suggested that if Val managed to win four or five thousand pounds, he could spend the money on candlesticks.
But Val had an even more unexpected response ready.
“No, I was thinking of the grave,” he replied.
The remark sent Bradley and the studio audience into fits of laughter.
Rather than appearing uncomfortable with the subject, Val delivered the joke with such calm confidence that the presenter struggled to contain his amusement.
His dry humour immediately made him a favourite with viewers watching at home.
Val Impresses During the Cash Builder
Val proved that his appearance was about more than providing laughs.
During the cash-builder round, he answered enough questions correctly to earn an impressive £5,000.
However, when Bradley asked whether he was pleased with his performance, Val once again responded with his trademark humour.
He admitted he was only “sort of” satisfied, explaining that he usually performed better when answering questions from the comfort of his own home.
His next challenge was to face Jenny Ryan, known as The Vixen, in the head-to-head round.
Recognising the contestant’s remarkable age, Jenny offered him a high-risk prize of £94,000 — representing £1,000 for every year of his life.
It was an extraordinary amount, but Val decided against taking the gamble.
Instead, he chose to defend the £5,000 he had already earned.
His combination of knowledge, confidence and good humour continued to entertain viewers as the game progressed.
Team Battles for £11,000 Against The Vixen
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With Val among the contestants, the team eventually entered the Final Chase competing for an £11,000 prize fund.
The players faced the difficult task of building a score that Jenny Ryan could not catch.
Andrea, the 50-year-old writer from Blackburn, received particular praise from viewers for her performance.
Fans watching at home suggested that she had been responsible for many of the team’s strongest answers.
Despite the contestants’ efforts, however, The Vixen proved too formidable.
Jenny successfully completed her pursuit with 33 seconds remaining on the clock, denying the team its £11,000 jackpot.
Although the result was disappointing, the episode had already produced several memorable moments, largely thanks to Val’s personality.
Viewers Fall in Love With Val’s Humour and Determination
Following the broadcast, fans shared their admiration for the 94-year-old contestant.
Many praised his willingness to compete against one of television’s toughest quizzers, while others were delighted by his exchanges with Bradley Walsh.
One viewer wrote: “Val, god bless you sir. Meng, your shoulders must be aching from that carrying.”
Another celebrated his age and enthusiasm, commenting: “NINETY FOUR years old. What a guy. Come on Val.”
A third viewer added: “Proper rooting for 94 year old Val on #thechase.”
The responses showed that Val had made a lasting impression, even though the team ultimately left without the jackpot.
His relaxed attitude and sharp sense of humour proved particularly popular with viewers who appreciated seeing an older contestant enjoy the experience so thoroughly.
An Unforgettable Moment for Bradley Walsh
Bradley Walsh has experienced countless amusing encounters during his years presenting The Chase, but Val’s appearance provided a particularly memorable example of how contestants can steal the show.
From joking about his age to discussing his future with remarkable bluntness, the retired veterinary surgeon repeatedly caught the presenter by surprise.
His £5,000 cash-builder performance also demonstrated that he was a serious competitor, despite his playful attitude.
Although Jenny Ryan eventually defeated the team, Val’s appearance became one of the episode’s standout talking points.
For viewers, it was another reminder that some of The Chase’s most entertaining moments happen not during the questions themselves, but in the unexpected conversations between Bradley and the people hoping to win.
The Chase airs on ITV and STV.