A team's decision on The Chase may have cost them a record-breaking payday, after they turned down the chance to play for £242,000 (NZ$545,000) and ultimately walked away empty-handed.
In a recent episode of the quiz show, host Bradley Walsh welcomed four contestants eager to take on Anne Hegerty, better known to viewers as The Governess.
Contestants Will, Stuart, Zoe and Eithne each put their knowledge to the test in the cash builder round before facing Hegerty head-to-head.
All four players successfully made it through to the final chase with a combined prize pot of £20,000 (NZ$45,000), meaning they stood to win £5000 each (NZ$11,200) if they managed to beat Hegerty.
Walsh was quick to point out in the episode broadcast in the UK what might have been if each player had gambled for the high cash offer in the head-to-head.
"You could have been playing for £242,000. That is some sort of record, nigh on. It must be. That's what you could've played for had you all gone for it." Walsh said.
"No one's ever done that. I wonder if anyone would ever do that."
Instead, the team opted for the middle offers in the head-to-head — a safer move which ensured they all made it to the final but significantly reduced the final jackpot.
In the final chase, the quartet set Hegerty a target of 18 questions.
But the experienced quizzer proved too strong, catching the team with 16 seconds remaining on the clock. The team's prize fund was wiped out, leaving them to walk away empty handed.
Despite the loss, Walsh described them as a "lovely team" and said he had enjoyed playing alongside them. The contestants said they had a "great time" on the show.
"Sadly, I have to take the £20,000 away and finally tell you that you have been caught and for you the chase is now over," Walsh said.
Watch The Chase UK daily at 5pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+
SHARE ME