The Chase ignites fix row as ‘disgraceful’ Bradley Walsh accused of ‘rigging’ quiz and ‘making rules up’ by furious fan – and even Mark Labbett wades in

The Chase found itself in a fix row as viewer hit out at presenter Bradley Walsh for ‘making rules up’.

In an episode of the ITV quiz aired last night (January 20), four hopeful players aimed to defeat quiz titan Mark Labbett – aka the Beast.

Only two of them – Ian and Marsha – reached the final round, which is where something unusual took place.

The pair achieved a score of 18 for Mark, 60, to catch, with the team later having an opportunity to push him back.

To this, Mark offered up the answer ‘Jezebel’ – which was revealed to be incorrect.

The Chase found itself in a fix row after a viewer claimed presenter Bradley Walsh was ‘making up rules up’

Marsha and Ian were the only members of their team to reach the Final Chase – where something unusual happened

Writing on X after the episode aired, quiz titan Mark “The Beast” Labbett came to Bradley’s defence

When Bradley asked the team for an answer, Marsha called out “Helen!”, with Ian following behind with “Bathsheba”.

Although Bathsheba was the correct answer, the host then revealed he could not accept it.

This was because Marsha, who was not the designated spokesperson, had ‘without nomination’ answered Helen incorrectly first.

The repeated instalment concluded with Mark catching the duo with just one second remaining.

In response to what occurred, a viewer wrote on X: ‘Disgraceful making rules up on the spot. Brad.’

However, Mark came across this comment and responded: ‘I can guarantee that the adjudicator made that call rather than Brad.’

The fan replied: ‘I expect they did Mark. But our Brad is the face of the programme, and he was let down.’

One fan locked horns with Mark Labbett on X after the episode aired

Despite Ian and Marsha’s best efforts, Mark managed to catch the duo with just a second remaining

Previously, viewers claimed a contestant ‘made television history’ with a ‘first time moment’ in the show’s run.

Amanda, from High Wycombe, explained she wanted £800, having promised to buy her son expensive Balenciaga trainers if she won.

She bagged £4,000 in her cash builder, but ultimately chose to play for Paul’s low offer – of £800.

Luck proved to be on the magazine editor’s side, as she triumphed to advance to the Final Chase.

Speaking immediately afterwards, Bradley said: ‘This is extraordinary.

‘I think this is the first time ever in 15 years that someone has come on for something specific and actually got the amount they needed, specifically for that amount and then got through.’

Continuing, the presenter added: ‘That’s a funny old journey that!’

Paul then brutally remarked: ‘I mean, it’s television history, but it’s a terrible indictment of the state of society’.

Amanda joined fellow teammates Eileen and Merrick to play for £6,000 in the Final Chase round.

Unfortunately for them, Paul proved too strong as he ended up catching the team with 46 seconds to spare.

And it wasn’t the first time that The Chase had a first-time move take place in the studio.

Playing against Anne Hegerty – The Governess – contestant Paula managed to earn £6,000 in her cash builder.

As is typical for the game, she proceeded to ask her teammates for advice after being given a choice between £1,000 and £66,000.

Aaron and John then urged her to take the £6,000 as the team needed her back – but Paula followed up with something unprecedented.

She said: ‘Can I ask Anne what she would do?’

Anne said she would ‘probably’ take the £6,000 like Paula’s teammates wanted her to, but she hinted that she might be tempted by the £66,000.

Paula said: ‘I feel like I’m only here once so I’m going for the 66.’

Sharing their confusion online, a fan wrote on X: ‘I’ve never heard a contestant ask a Chaser’s opinion before. And then ignore it.

‘I swear contestants never do that. I have never seen that before. Has anyone else?’

The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.