The Chase pulled off air as ITV breaking news takes over and host apologises for shakeup
ITV game shows Tipping Point and The Chase have been sensationally pulled off air at the last minute.
The popular teatime quiz favourites saw their schedule’s interrupted as ITV opted to report live from Downing Street as the nation waited for an announcement from the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.
The Chase, fronted by Bradley Walsh, was scheduled to kick off at 5pm but failed to do as ITV News broke into the live programming.
Rishi Sunak addressed the nation and called a General Election for the 4th July.
ITV’s schedules changed to read “ITV News Special” to be broadcast until 6pm followed by the regular 90 minutes of evening news broadcasts until 7:30pm.
ITV News host Tom Bradby ‘apologised’ to viewers as they addressed how the news coverage was ‘not what viewers were expecting to see’.
Equally, BBC One opted to break into coverage as it pulled the Roman Kemp and Sarah Greene show The Finish Line off air in order to deliver the rolling coverage.
Unhappy that the regular schedules were disrupted, one furious fan said on X, formerly Twitter: “Can’t watch the chase because sunak calls general election.”
Another begged of the broadcaster: “Can you put The Chase back on now please @ITV ? Thanks.”
A third seethed: “F***ing fuming they’ve cancelled The Chase tbh.”
Someone else said: “Put the #Chase on you twats @ITV.”
Whilst another penned: “Right he’s made his speech now f*** off I’m missing #thechase.”
The Breaking News broadcast saw the PM get soaked as rain poured it down as he took to his podium to outline his upcoming plans.
The PM will battle for his political life as millions take to the polls at the height of British summer time.
He will take on Sir Keir Starmer‘s Labour Party in what is set to be a historic fight for the keys to No10, centred on the economy.
Speaking from Downing St before hoards of cameras, Mr Sunak said: “The last five years have been the most challenging times since the Second World War.
“Now is the moment to choose to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made, or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty.”
Drowned out by protest music, the PM added: “Earlier today, I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of Parliament.
“The King has granted this request, and we will have a general election on July 4. This election will take place at a time when the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the Cold War.”