The set of The Chase was thrown into disarray during the taping of a Christmas special when an unexpected twist caught everyone off guard.
The disruption came in the form of an Anne Hegerty impersonator who somehow managed to make their way onto the set, leading to a chaotic and bizarre series of events that quickly spiraled out of control.
For those unfamiliar, Anne Hegerty is one of the iconic “Chasers” on the show, known for her sharp wit, vast general knowledge, and her persona as “The Governess.”
As one of the most recognizable figures on the show, her distinctive personality and commanding presence are key elements of The Chase’s appeal.
However, the Christmas special took an unexpected turn when the impersonator, dressed in a strikingly similar outfit and mimicking Hegerty’s mannerisms, disrupted the carefully planned shoot.
The incident reportedly began when the impersonator, who had managed to gain access to the set, appeared during a key moment in filming.
Dressed in The Governess’s signature attire, including the trademark grey suit and neatly styled hair, the individual initially caused confusion among the cast and crew. Some thought it might have been a planned gag or part of the festive fun that often accompanies holiday-themed specials. However, it soon became apparent that this was no ordinary prank. As the impersonator began interacting with the real Anne Hegerty and the rest of the cast, the situation quickly escalated into a comedic and chaotic scene.
Anne Hegerty herself, known for her quick wit and unflappable demeanor, was reportedly taken aback by the impersonator’s sudden appearance. While she is often the one to deliver sharp retorts and outsmart contestants on the show, this unexpected encounter put her in an entirely different position. Witnesses described a surreal interaction between the two, with the impersonator attempting to outdo Hegerty in her own distinctive style of humor and intellect. The real Anne, however, remained composed and addressed the situation with her characteristic sharpness, even finding moments to laugh at the absurdity of the scenario.
Meanwhile, the other Chasers and host Bradley Walsh were equally bewildered by the unexpected turn of events. Bradley, known for his quick humor and ability to handle unscripted moments with ease, attempted to lighten the mood by joking about the situation. However, even his usual charm couldn’t fully mask the underlying confusion as the production team scrambled to regain control. The other Chasers, including the likes of Mark Labbett and Shaun Wallace, looked on in amusement and disbelief as the impersonator continued their antics.
What made the situation even more bizarre was the uncanny resemblance between the impersonator and Anne Hegerty. From the costume to the mannerisms and even the cadence of her speech, the impersonator’s performance was eerily convincing. This added an extra layer of humor and confusion to the proceedings, as it took some time for the crew and cast to fully grasp that this was not part of the planned production. Adding to the surreal nature of the incident was the fact that the impersonator seemed to have a detailed knowledge of the show, including specific references and quips that only a devoted fan would know.
As the chaos unfolded, the production team eventually intervened to address the situation. Security was called to escort the impersonator off the set, but not before the individual had left an indelible impression on everyone involved. The disruption caused significant delays to the filming schedule, and it remains unclear how much of the incident, if any, will be included in the final broadcast of the Christmas special. However, the event has already become the stuff of legend among fans of the show, with many speculating about how such an unusual incident could have occurred.
For the real Anne Hegerty, the experience was undoubtedly a memorable one. While she has faced countless challenging contestants and tricky questions during her time on The Chase, it’s unlikely that any of those moments compared to the surreal experience of confronting her own impersonator in the middle of a live taping. Her response to the incident showcased her professionalism and ability to handle even the most unexpected situations with grace and humor.
This bizarre episode serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live television and the lengths to which fans—or in this case, impersonators—will go to engage with their favorite shows. It also highlights the enduring appeal of The Chase and its cast, who continue to capture the imagination of audiences around the world. While the Christmas special may not have gone entirely according to plan, the incident will undoubtedly add a unique and unforgettable twist to the show’s history.
