South Shields lecturer wins share of £40,000 on The Chase

Daniel Ward appeared on the ITV show today.

The 34-year-old, from Marsden, was chosen to take part after applying so long ago that he can't even remember doing it.

Daniel, a lecturer in media and cultural studies at the University of Sunderland, battled Chaser Anne Hegerty, also known as the Governess, for £6,000 after answering questions posed to him by host Bradley Walsh.

He said: "To be honest, I found her to be quite friendly and a nice woman. She was a pussycat compared to how she comes across on TV.

"I went for the £6,000 I'd earned in the cash-builder, I'd never take the lower offer."

The show sees four people given the chance to answer questions and go up against one of the Chasers in a bid to take money back for the team.

Those that make it through to the end, battle against the Chaser once more in the hope of taking home a share of the money.

Daniel was one of three to make it through to the 'final chase' and the team beat the Chaser, each taking home an equal share of £40,000.

He said: "It was the most money I'd ever seen in my entire life. I felt like I should run away to Spain or something. It's been really hard to keep it quiet.

"I haven't decided what to do with the money yet, I've just done boring stuff with it so far."

He added: "I've always loved the show and money, so it seemed like a natural thing to give it a go.

"I applied for the show that long ago that I'd actually forgotten about it when they rang.

"I didn't actually find it that nerve-racking, partly because we had to be in the studio for 7am so my brain hadn't kicked in enough to be worried yet. It was a really fun experience.

"Bradley was a great laugh and it was a pleasure to meet him."