Paul Henry Shares His Lighthearted Side on The Chase NZ
Meeting Paul Henry
After reading about the sometimes-controversial Kiwi broadcaster Paul Henry, The Chase UK’s Anne Hegerty felt unsure about their dinner meeting last year.
The Lighthearted Approach
Determined to break the ice, she decided to poke a little fun at him. “I realized that I could take the mick out of him and he would let me. He genuinely seemed to enjoy it,” Hegerty shared in an interview with RNZ’s Saturday Morning.
The Popularity of The Chase
The English game show The Chase involves a team of four contestants competing against a Chaser for cash prizes. It’s a massive hit in New Zealand, broadcasting on TVNZ at least three times daily.
A Beloved Chaser
Having experienced a “practically mobbed” welcome during her 2017 visit, Hegerty quickly realized how adored the show is here.
Embodied by “The Governess”
Since becoming the first female Chaser in 2010, the 67-year-old’s “no-nonsense” character, The Governess, was inspired by some rather unpleasant female relatives and a former headmistress. “I can channel The Governess when I need to. If I need to scare someone off, I can do that,” she remarked.
Source: TVNZ
The Game’s Appeal
Hegerty believes the format of The Chase translates globally due to its engaging play-along element. “Viewers can shout answers from their sofas, feeling a part of the game,” she explained. “Its pace allows you to shout out your answer before the contestant or chase has locked in theirs.”
A Career Journey
Before stepping into the role of Chaser, Hegerty spent a decade as a journalist and another twenty years proofreading academic material. Despite her achievements, she found administrative tasks less appealing.
Skills of a Quizmaster
Hegerty’s strength lies not only in quick fact retrieval but her natural ability to relax when answering questions on the show. “In that seat, I finally feel like I know what I’m doing,” she said confidently.
Source: 1News
The Chase and Autism Spectrum
Hegerty was diagnosed with what was previously labeled high-functioning Asperger syndrome at age 47. She points out that many quiz experts share similar experiences. “We excel at focusing deeply on specific topics but aren’t the best at transitioning between tasks,” she acknowledged.
Taking on Challenges
In her role as a Chaser, Hegerty claims she never feels anxious. “Many ask if I get scared doing my job. I say, ‘No, I’m the one who doesn’t get scared!'”
Source: Graham Norton
Advice for Aspiring Quizmasters
While Hegerty is open to new gaming platforms related to The Chase, she steers clear of artificial intelligence for quiz assistance. “I prefer reading materials authored by real people,” she explained.
Tips for New Contestants
For those aspiring to join the ranks of The Chase, she offers practical tips:
- Participate in community pub quizzes.
- Read extensively.
- Stay curious and research when you find yourself stumped.
- Engage with online quiz games.
Closing Thoughts
With all this insight, are you inspired to tackle your next quiz challenge, or perhaps consider putting yourself in the hot seat as a contestant? Let us know!
