A number of fans of The Chase had to turn off the Celebrity Special when they saw that politician Ann Widdecombe was on the programme.
Last night’s (Sunday, July 5) episode, a repeat, saw Ann competing to win money for her chosen charity alongside comedian Jimmy Carr and singers Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes.
What happened with Ann Widdecombe on The Chase?
When novelist Ann stepped up first, host Bradley Walsh asked: “Welcome to the show, Ann. Or more importantly, welcome back! What made you want to come back and do it a second time?”
“I have absolutely no idea! I don’t really know why I did it the first time” she confessed.
Read more: Celebrity Big Brother viewers appalled as Ann Widdecombe refuses to acknowledge Courtney Act
“You were trouble on that show, have you calmed down?” Bradders asked and Ann insisted she hadn’t, causing the audience to burst into laughter.
It was a thrilling episode that ended with the four celebs winning a staggering £100k for worthy causes.
How did viewers react?
But a number of those watching admitted turning off as they weren’t fans of Ann, who was a Conservative MP for Maidstone – and later, Maidstone and The Weald – for over 20 years.
One viewer said on Twitter, “#TheChase. Looking forward to it… Ann pops up!” alongside a GIF of a man switching off a TV.
Another wrote: “Widdecombe on #thechase. Excellent reason to switch off immediately.”
A third admitted being unable to stand having Ann on their screen.
https://twitter.com/Rastamouse1981/status/1279825359345725442
Widdecombe on #thechase excellent reason to switch off immediately
— Jimbo (@jimboTscotland) July 5, 2020
Even my can't stand, can't stand Ann! #TheChase
— MR GAVIN MICHAEL GREAVES ESQ ⭐ IFB ALL LFC ❤💙 (@realgmg67) July 5, 2020
Read more: The Chase star Anne Hegerty reveals she is on a ‘sabbatical’
However, not everyone felt that way.
One viewer wrote happily, alongside laughing emojis: “Oh I do love #TheChase #CelebrityChase & Ann Widdecombe too!”
They added in a separate tweet, after the big win: “Well done Ann, Mark, Sam and Jimmy! £100k.”
How hilarious
Another said: “How hilarious is Ann Widiecombe on #TheCelebrityChase? #TheChase.”
Others praised her choice of charity – Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land, which helps abandoned donkeys in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
“It’s a fantastic charity that needs as much help as it can get!” said one, adding that Ann was clearly “passionate” about the cause.
Oh I do love #TheChase #CelebrityChase & Ann Widdecombe too! 😂🤣
— Irene Edgar (@EdgarIrene) July 5, 2020
How hilarious is Anne Widiecombe on #TheCelebrityChase? #TheChase
— Andrew McMINN (@andrewmcminn) July 5, 2020
It’s a fantastic charity that needs as much help as it can get!
— Caroline Foulis (@carolinefoulis) July 5, 2020
The Chase Celebrity Special is available to watch now on ITV Hub.
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