Bradley Walsh was left visibly disappointed on Wednesday’s edition of The Chase after a much-loved contestant was eventually beaten by Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett.
The Chelsea pensioner proved a popular contestant amongst viewers(Image: ITV)
The ITV host had a particularly memorable encounter with Joe, a 78-year-old Chelsea Pensioner from London, who appeared on the show wearing his full uniform and proudly displaying several medals.
Joe joined Alex, Nicky and Michelle as they faced Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett, hoping to earn enough money to reach the Final Chase.
Despite his age, Joe made an impressive start.
He answered four questions correctly during his Cash Builder, giving him £4,000 to take forward. He then successfully faced Mark in the next stage, securing the £4,000 for his team.
Bradley was clearly impressed by Joe’s performance and celebrated with him in a moment that he admitted was a first for him on the programme.
After Joe’s successful round, Bradley gave him a high-five and said: “I’ve never done this before.”
Unfortunately, the feel-good moment did not last.
Bradley Walsh has hailed a first on The Chase(Image: ITV)
Joe wins over The Chase viewers
Mark eventually proved too strong for Joe, Michelle and Alex, knocking them out before they could share the £9,000 jackpot.
Although Joe left the show without any winnings, his warm personality quickly made him a favourite with viewers watching at home.
Several fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to praise the Chelsea Pensioner during the episode.
One viewer wrote: “Joe has such a youthful face for a pensioner. Seems like a thoroughly nice, happy chap.”
Another said: “I want Joe to win. The others can do one.”
A third viewer added: “Joe on #thechase, what a top bloke.”
After the team was beaten, another fan summed up the reaction simply: “Only gutted for Joe #thechase.”
Joe reveals life as a Chelsea Pensioner
Earlier in the episode, Joe opened up to Bradley about his life at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the many activities available to residents.
He explained that he lives alongside hundreds of fellow veterans and takes an active role in the community.
“I live with 274 other veterans in the barracks,” Joe said.
He also revealed that his week is packed with activities, including running a quiz on Mondays and bingo on Tuesdays.
“There’s a local radio station and I’m a presenter on that,” he continued. “And then there’s Scrabble, our own bowls team, we have a putting green, and an art group.”
Joe described himself as an ambassador for the veteran community and said he had travelled to several places while on duty.
Joe had big plans for his winnings
Bradley also asked Joe what he would spend any potential winnings on if he managed to beat the Chaser.
For Joe, travel was high on the list.
“Well, I love to travel,” he explained. “I went to Canada a couple of years ago but I have a friend in Melbourne who I’d love to go and see.”
He also had another adventure in mind.
“Failing that I’d love to do a battlefield tour of the American Civil War.”
Sadly for Joe, that particular dream would have to wait, as Mark ultimately sent him home empty-handed.
Still, his appearance left a lasting impression on both Bradley and viewers, with many fans cheering him on throughout the game.
The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV1 and ITVX.