The Chase reveals who the new Chaser is joining the popular game show

Last year it was announced that The Chase is set to undergo one of the biggest shake-ups in the show's history - starting with a new chaser to join Mark, Jenny Ryan, Anne Hegerty, Paul Sinha and Shaun Wallace.

And now it has been revealed who the new chaser is!

ITV has given the job of a lifetime to one of its most-loved contestants; Darragh Ennis.

The Irish star - who became a viral sensation when he appeared in the show in March 2017 - was announced as the sixth Chaser overnight.

Darragh is the first new chaser to be appointed since Jenny Ryan joined the show in 2015, with a source telling the publication his signing is a "big deal."

The source said: "Darragh has got what it takes to be a Chaser, he has been put to the test and passed with flying colours.

"They don't bring in new members on The Chase regularly so this is a big deal for the show and Darragh. Viewers will be very interested to see how he gets on.

READ MORE:
• The Chase host Bradley Walsh was left in hysterics again over cheeky question
• The Chase's Mark 'The Beast' Labbett reveals the health issue behind his dramatic weight loss

"The show is so popular with spin-off shows now as well so there is a need to increase the team."

Taking to Twitter earlier today to confirm his involvement, Darragh - who works as a post-doctoral researcher at Oxford University - wrote: "I'm really excited to be the 6th chaser on #TheChase.

"I've been working hard on this for a while now and can't wait for my episodes to air. Well the ones I win anyway."

Fellow Chaser Paul Sinha was quick to respond, welcoming him into the fold.

"The night before the producers told us, Anne and Mark and I sat at dinner and pondered 'Could it be a former contestant'," he tweeted.

"I said, 'If it is, the best player I faced was an Irish guy who looked a bit like Micky Flanagan.' Welcome to the club mate."