The Chase star Anne Hegerty - known on screen as her alter ego The Governess - has explained the surprising pay day issues on the show. Anne, 66, is now estimated to be worth £3.2 million thanks to the success of the ITV show, but revealed that money coming in isn’t a certainty, with none of the chasers given a set salary. Speaking to the Mirror at the TV Choice Awards on Monday, Anne made it clear that she and the team wouldn’t want another member any time soon for one major reason.
Asked about whether viewers could expect a new chaser in the future, she replied: “Well we do always hope not.” The I’m a Celebrity star explained: “We are paid per show, so we’re not on a salary. It’s not as if they’re going to up the budget and add a new salary, a new chaser would just mean the same number of shows shared between more people - so less money for everyone. So, hope not!”.
Despite getting less money with the addition of a new chaser, Anne clarified that she had no hard feelings towards fan-favourite Darragh Ennis, who joined the show in 2020 - 10 years after Anne. “You know, Darragh has been a very good new addition, he’s very popular, and that’s worthwhile,” she said of her co-star. Anne also opened up about the dynamics between the super-smart chasers, confirming that despite their competitive spirit they do get on and spend time together when they have the chance. “We know each other, and certainly on Beat the Chasers we tend to hang out a lot, because we’re all there at the same time,” she divulged.
Despite not having a set salary from The Chase, books from August 2023 revealed that her firm, Frosty Knickers Ltd, reported over £807,000 banked. Although her firm assets and net worth are enviable, Anne spoke to the Mirror last November and revealed that she’d never be a big spender. “I'm half Scottish. We don't spend money and, being a fat person, I can only buy from certain places,” she joked. “I like my money sitting in my bank and representing a bit of security. I don’t see the point in sloshing money around. I’m not frugal, I’d actually say I’m mean.”.
Anne shared that she once ended up on benefits while working as a journalist before The Chase, when she was “getting more and more swamped by admin and losing more work,” so despite her current wealth she’s no stranger to saving and scrimping. The star does allow herself some luxuries, and splits her time between homes in Manchester and Watford - making her TV work easily accessible. Anne also admitted that she flies first class or business when going away, and will treat herself to ‘Club Med’ when jetting abroad for quizzes.
