Darragh Ennis, known to viewers as The Menace from ITV's popular quiz show The Chase, candidly opened up about how the death of his father has deeply affected his life and work. Appearing on the daytime talk show Loose Women on January 22, 2024, Ennis shared the emotional toll he endured following the loss of his father to dementia, which he described as sudden and devastating.
Darragh's father passed away in July 2024, and the grief he felt was palpable as he recounted the experience of receiving the news. "I got a phone call, and I barely made it home in time," he said, highlighting the abruptness with which his father's health declined. Ennis expressed feelings of being "broken" inside, echoing the struggles many face when grappling with loss. Despite the apparent turmoil, he emphasized the challenge of appearing composed on-screen.
After taking time off from filming due to personal reasons, Ennis returned to The Chase under significant stress. "We had a natural break in filming, but when I did go back to work, I was put under... stressful situation," he noted. Darragh described how, for someone who normally excelled under pressure, he found himself grappling with the show's quick-fire questioning format, which only added to his anxiety.
When asked about his performance during the filming, Darragh revealed, "Normally when I start making mistakes, I'd naturally be able to handle it. I'd just plant my feet and keep going, but this time when I went to put my feet down, there was nothing underneath them. They just fell away." This honest admission illustrated how grief had impacted his cognitive and emotional abilities, making it difficult for him to adapt to the fast-paced environment of the show.
Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of being on camera, Darragh admitted to feeling "camera shy," which was uncharacteristic for someone who usually thrived under such circumstances. "I had a couple of episodes like... it wasn't there anymore," he said, describing the moments when he struggled to maintain his usual calmness during filming.
The Chase producers quickly recognized the difficulties Darragh was facing and responded with compassion. They offered him additional time off and arranged for counselling services to support him through the grieving process. "I felt like I was being saved from drowning," he expressed, indicating how he initially resisted accepting help but eventually found solace in the support provided.
Darragh has now embraced his experiences and taken on the role of Ambassador for the grief charity At a Loss, aimed at helping others who are dealing with similar struggles. Through his candid discussions about grief and his subsequent advocacy work, he hopes to provide comfort and assistance to others who are confronting the heavy burden of loss.
His heartfelt revelations not only shine light on the personal challenges faced by public figures but also serve as reminders of the importance of seeking support during life's most difficult times. Darragh Ennis continues to film The Chase, which airs weekdays at 5 PM on ITV1, bringing his resilience and newfound purpose back to the show.