A wave of intrigue has swept through fans of ITV’s hit quiz franchise as a new figure, cloaked in mystery, is poised to join the celebrated ranks of Beat The Chasers. This enigmatic addition, known only by the moniker “Maverick,” has already sparked a firestorm of speculation before even making his on-screen debut. The choice of name alone suggests a character who is unpredictable, daring, and perhaps unlike any Chaser we have seen before.

The Chase’s new Chaser Maverick’s identity ‘unveiled’ and he’s a very famous face(ITV)

Promotional material teasing Maverick’s appearance has done little to calm the curiosity. A brief clip unveiled by ITV shows the outline of a sharply suited silhouette, purposefully withholding any clear identifying features. Yet the ambiguity has only heightened interest, prompting viewers to pore over every frame for potential giveaways — a mannerism, a gesture, even the way the figure holds himself. Across fan forums and social media platforms, a chorus of voices has risen, many claiming they already “know” who Maverick really is. Some insist that his posture and presence bear striking similarities to well-known celebrities, while others argue that the producers are deliberately baiting audiences with misdirection.

The timing of Maverick’s arrival is itself significant. His introduction coincides with the temporary absence of Darragh Ennis, better known to fans as “The Menace.” Ennis has become a popular fixture within the Chaser line-up, and his substitution by a mysterious new rival ensures that the upcoming episode carries not only the usual intensity of the quiz but also a sense of narrative drama. For the producers, it is an ingenious strategy: the curiosity surrounding Maverick ensures that anticipation is running at fever pitch.

This is not the first time Beat The Chasers has played upon the element of surprise, but Maverick’s unveiling is shaping up to be one of the most elaborate reveals to date. Fans argue that introducing a figure under such secrecy may suggest that the identity is not merely that of a standard quiz expert, but perhaps a celebrity of considerable recognition — someone whose appearance would blur the line between the world of entertainment and the intellectual rigor the Chasers are known for.

Viewers predict it could funnyman Jasper(SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Should this theory prove accurate, Maverick’s arrival may signal a bold new direction for the program. It would represent not only an expansion of the Chaser line-up but also a fusion of pop culture and competitive quizzing, heightening the tension for contestants who must now face not just seasoned professionals but also a familiar public persona armed with knowledge and wit.

In sum, the question that hangs in the air is no longer simply about whether the contestants will outwit the Chasers. Instead, the audience finds itself collectively asking: Who is Maverick? Until ITV chooses to lift the veil, speculation will continue to thrive, ensuring that when the moment of revelation finally comes, it will be one of the most talked-about events in the show’s history.