Bradley Walsh snaps at contestant, issues rare yellow card on The Chase
Host's heated exchange with Steve sparks online reaction as the team falls short to Jenny Ryan
The Chase delivered a dramatic on-air moment on Friday as host Bradley Walsh lost patience with a contestant and issued a rare yellow card. The incident unfolded during a cash-builder round featuring Steve alongside Claire, Mark and Jane, all trying to set up a cash pot against Jenny Ryan, known as the Vixen, in a bid to win a larger prize.
After Jane and Mark were eliminated early, Steve built £4,000 and opted to play for his pot. In the head-to-head with the Chaser, the moment stalled when Steve froze on the very first question and ran out of time before answering. Walsh grew visibly frustrated, telling the contestant that such delays would not be tolerated. Although Steve eventually cleared the hurdle by a fraction of a second, the host’s ire was clear and a yellow card became part of the moment that left the studio and viewers buzzing.
The episode then shifted to the final stages, with Steve still at the table alongside Claire. Steve and Claire pressed on with the challenge, but the pair managed only 14 correct answers in the final chase, despite two successful pushbacks. Jenny, however, closed in with precision and completed the round with 15 seconds to spare, trapping the duo just short of success. The tension around the table was amplified by discussions over strategy, including Claire’s push for a higher stake and Steve’s decision to settle for £4,000 rather than chasing a bigger pot. In contrast, Claire ultimately opted for the lowest offer of £1,000 when her turn came, prompting online commentary about mixed instincts and last-minute changes of heart. The outcome left the final tally at £5,000, which was not enough to beat the Chaser and take the prize.
Reaction online reflected divided opinions. Some viewers praised Walsh for his firm stance, calling the moment a memorable, intense example of live television. Others criticized Steve for delaying and blamed the pair’s decision-making during the offers. A shared theme among fans was a frustration over time management and the back-and-forth on high versus low offers, with many noting the irony of encouraging others to take risks while hesitating themselves. The Chase airs on weekdays from 5 p.m. on ITV1 and is available to view on ITVX. 