Exclusive Interview With Shaun Wallace »
Interview by Jamie Miller
When Shaun Wallace enters the studio each week on ITV's weekly quiz show 'The Chase', would-be competitors are left quaking in their boots. The popular show (which airs 5pm weekdays) is not for the feint-hearted: competitors regularly leave the show empty-handed after battling it out against either Shaun or his two fellow chasers (Marc Labett and Anne Hegarty). But when he's not being a Chaser, the 2004 Mastermind Champion - it turns out - is actually a nice person!
You are a successful barrister and Mastermind champion. I would presume that takes incredible drive and ambition. What do you credit as giving you that drive and ambition?
I've wanted to be a lawyer since the age of 11. I then wrote to the Inns of Court as a 12 year old on becoming a barrister and I kept their reply for many years as a source of inspiration.
How do you think your training in law has helped your ability in quizzing?
Being a barrister is a great asset as you have to remain calm and fearless no matter what the circumstances.
When did you realise you had above average quizzing abilities and what was your journey into becoming the quizzer you are today?
I've always been into quizzing from a very young age. I used to watch all the quiz shows as a kid and me and my brother used to play Blockbusters as well as Trivial Pursuit (a Game in which I've NEVER beaten him in!) and after years of provarocating, my TV quizzing career began on 100% in June1999.
What are the perks to being a 'Chaser'?
There are no perks for being on the show, just being a Chaser is a perk in itself.
What do you think of your other two 'Chasers'?
Mark and Anne are brilliant quizzers in their own right in whom I have a great deal of respect and they're great people to work with.
What are your interests when you are not quizzing?
My interests are Football (I'm a big Chelsea fan), Travel and to try to use my abilities to inspire anyone to achieve their life's goals.
What tips do you have for anyone who wants to be as good as you at quizzing?
I'm interested in most things and I'm a firm believer that that if you've got an interest in something, anything then you're gonna remember it no matter how trivial it may appear.
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