The Chase: Anne Hegerty says The Governess character was inspired by women she ‘didn’t like’

Virgin Radio

9 Mar 2022, 10:17

If you thought The Governess was tough on The Chase, you should see the inspiration, according to Anne Hegerty herself!

The ITV star has revealed who she based her terrifying character on, and it turns out two women in her family ended up shaping the iconic Chaser. 

In a chat with The Sun, Anne admitted there were two women she grew up with, and didn’t like all that much, who gave her the inspiration for the tough taskmaster on the show. 

According to Anne, her family was ‘very feminist’ and one strict woman she never saw eye-to-eye with was her grandmother, alongside her aunt. 

She explained: “I didn’t get on at all well with my grandmother but I sort of channel her a bit for The Governess.

“It’s her and one of my aunts who I also didn’t get on with. My inspiration is two women I didn’t like. You can make use of women you don’t like.”

Anne is more up for a laugh than her Governess alter-ego, and recently, The Chase viewers had a chuckle when they realised the link between the players.

Facing the chasers for a cash prize were Marge, Bart, Maggie and Lisa, which just so happen to be the names of The Simpsons.

Surely that can’t just be a coincidence.

Of course, viewers who noticed the theme took to Twitter to share their laughter and see if anyone else had picked up on it.

Most were praising the producers for their casting, with one user writing: “Give the producers for #TheChase a raise.”