The Chase's Bradley Walsh was left gobsmacked and could only muster a brief, disheartened reaction as he declared "I've lost all hope" following a contestant's cringeworthy confession early in the episode.
On Tuesday's (December 17) instalment of the popular ITV quiz show, host Bradley was once again gracing our television screens with another thrilling episode.
Bradley welcomed a quartet of hopefuls Tom from Twickenham, Richard from Sheffield, Sam from High Wycombe, and Gabriela from London who were eager to showcase their intellect against the Chaser for a chance at the jackpot.
But mere moments into the episode, Bradley was taken aback when Tom casually mentioned that not only did he sign up for the wrong programme but also had never actually seen an entire episode of The Chase.
As Tom stood ready to face whichever Chaser emerged, Brad enquired about his preferred adversary. Tom, recently transitioned from military to civilian life and pursuing an acting career, responded nonchalantly: "I think I'll be happy with anyone, apart from Anne.", reports the Liverpool Echo.
Skeptical, Bradley probed further: "You know how this show works, right? " Tom's expression gave him away prompting Bradley to press on: "You've never seen this show, have you? ".
Tom's admission practically knocked the wind out of everyone when he revealed that despite watching some YouTube clips, he hadn't really sat through a complete broadcast, confessing to a stunned Bradley Walsh: "I've never seen the show, Bradley Walsh."
Brad was struck dumb as he quizzed: "So what made you want to come on? " Tom revealed he actually believed he had applied for a totally different programme, admitting, "I thought I was applying for another show with a similar name" instead. "But I'm very happy to be here."
he continued. Brad pressed on which show it was, leading Tom to spill the beans: "Hunted." Bradley was taken aback by Tom's mix-up, crossing his arms and commenting in disbelief: "The Chase. Hunted... wow. I don't hold out much hope for you, Tom."
As Tom stepped up to face-off against Mark 'The Beast' Labbett, Bradley couldn't resist a jibe, remarking: "He has no idea who you are."
Despite the confusion, Tom managed to bag himself a spot in the final chase, opting for a middle offer of £6,000. Fans at home were quick to flock to X, once known as Twitter, to voice their amusement.
One person tweeted: "He thought this would be Hunted? ! #TheChase." Another chimed in: "Never seen the chase? Play the game son #TheChase." And another viewer teased: "You applied for the wrong show - you wanted to be on Hunted? ! #TheChase."
The Chase airs weekdays from 5pm on ITV and ITVX