In an exciting episode of ITV's favorite quiz show, The Chase, Campbell Finlayson, a devoted Dundee United fan and match announcer for Arbroath FC, recently found himself at the mercy of the formidable Shaun “The Dark Destroyer” Wallace. The thrilling showdown aired on March 20, 2025, highlighting Finlayson's brief foray into the world of competitive quizzing.
Campbell, who had been anticipating this moment for a year, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “The show was filmed a year ago to the day on Saturday so it’s been a long time coming.” The now 25-year-old contestant earned a respectable £5,000 during the cash builder round before ultimately succumbing to Wallace's sharp questioning. Finlayson opted for the middle offer after a tough decision, declining the higher risk of £35,000 and the safer £1,000.
Recalling his journey, Campbell noted, “I just saw the application online and thought; why not give it a go?” After successfully navigating through an online audition process, which he described as featuring some fairly simple questions, he received an invitation to film at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood—a contemporary venue just outside London. Arriving in March 2024, he spent the night before filming at a nearby hotel, eager to embrace the experience the following day.
During filming, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as he and the other contestants were shown around the studio. Campbell shared his impressions of host Bradley Walsh, noting, “He was really friendly with us all, he took a genuine interest in what we had to say. He had a lot of time for us which made us feel wanted especially given the fact it was the third show of the day.” His dedication to the contestants helped ease the nerves that naturally accompany such a high-pressure environment.
However, the thrill of being on a widely viewed quiz show also comes with its share of challenges. Campbell recounted, “The hardest part was not telling anyone what happened,” reflecting on the year-long wait to share his experience with friends and family. This sentiment echoed as he expressed his happiness for his teammates who continued to support him throughout the ordeal. “The reaction from most people has been great,” he added.
On the show, Campbell showcased some personal anecdotes, including his trip to see his beloved Dundee United suffer a 7-0 defeat against AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, which had previously lightened the mood in the studio. When asked about what he would do with his cash winnings, he remarked that he had hoped to travel across the east coast of Australia.
Despite falling just one question short of safety and being ultimately caught by Wallace—who skillfully answered the question regarding the earliest Member of Parliament among David Lammy, David Cameron, and David Blunkett—Finlayson left with fond memories. “Unfortunately, the show didn’t go quite how I wanted. It was a great experience,” he stated, remaining positive about the entire event.
As the episode aired, viewers learned that only one of Campbell’s teammates, Rosie from Lancaster, reached the final chase. Despite her efforts scoring 11 points, she too fell short of winning the grand prize. Reflecting on her experience, she likely shared the same feelings of camaraderie with Campbell, as both contestants fell outside the final prize pool.
Looking ahead, Campbell hopes to engage more with the series and might consider returning to quiz shows in the future. Sharing his thoughts on the entire experience, he concluded, “I’m really glad I did it—I’ll remember being on the show for the rest of my life.” This spirit of determination underscores the appeal of shows like The Chase, where the journey itself is just as significant as the destination.
The episode featuring Campbell is available to watch on the STV Player, providing fans of the show an opportunity to relive the action. As quiz enthusiasts dive deeper into the moments and memories created on shows like The Chase, the collective excitement around such programming continues to engage audiences across the UK.
