Introduction
The moment that quiz-show fans have been waiting for arrived when the masked figure known only as “Maverick” stepped out on Beat the Chasers. With the regular panel temporarily missing one member, the new presence raised immediate questions: Who is Maverick? What does this mean for the lineup? And how does it tie into The Chase and host Bradley Walsh? In this deep dive we unpack the full story: the reveal of Maverick’s identity, the connection to comedian Joe Pasquale, the implications for 2025’s new-chaser landscape, and what fans should watch out for next.
Setting the scene: The Chase universe
The Chase and its spin-offs have become a fixture of British television quiz culture. The original show premiered in 2009 on ITV and features contestants facing quiz-masters known as the “Chasers”. Its spin-off, Beat the Chasers, launched in 2020 and raised the stakes by allowing a single contestant to go up against multiple Chasers at once.
In the standard structure, the Chasers are known figures: Mark Labbett (“The Beast”), Anne Hegerty (“The Governess”), Paul Sinha (“The Sinnerman”), Jenny Ryan (“The Vixen”), Shaun Wallace (“The Dark Destroyer”), and Darragh Ennis (“The Menace”).
Thus when the news broke that Darragh Ennis would be absent from a key episode and a new figure Maverick would appear, the quiz world took notice.
Who is Maverick on Beat the Chasers?
The mystery title “Maverick” was first teased in promotional material for the final episode of Beat the Chasers Series 7 (2025). Viewers saw a masked figure in a bowler hat and red-black costume, standing alongside the regular Chasers and host Bradley Walsh.
Clues dropped by the show included a voice-mask, the assertion that the new Chaser’s name came from “Mave and Rick” (a nod to grandparents), and that he hailed from a “lone wolf” mindset.
Speculation quickly ran wild. Many fans believed the masked figure was veteran comedian Jasper Carrott. Others guessed names from outside comedy. But in the episode’s climactic reveal, Maverick removed his disguise and the studio (and viewing public) discovered it was Joe Pasquale.
Maverick’s real name revealed
Yes: Maverick = Joe Pasquale. The comedian, known for his high-pitched voice and pantomime work, stepped into the role of guest Chaser for the episode.
The Chaser-wiki community lists him in the “guest Chaser” category with the nickname “The Maverick”.
Why Joe Pasquale was chosen
From an experience perspective, this move blends entertainment and quiz-show heritage. Pasquale may not be a full-time quiz-champion like Ennis or Sinha, but he brings broad appeal and recognisability. For the producers, this kind of guest Chaser builds buzz. In our hands-on observation of quiz formats, adding a known face under mystery increases engagement and that appears to be what happened here.
3. The role of Bradley Walsh and reaction to the new Chaser
As host, Bradley Walsh remains the anchor of both The Chase and Beat the Chasers. His reaction during Maverick’s reveal was captured on air: Walsh reportedly remarked “I should have twigged,” after discovering Pasquale’s geology-background clue.
This reaction underlines the narrative value: the host, the masked figure, the surprise reveal. It elevates the episode into a moment rather than routine.
Back-story: The Maverick chaser back-story and context
Definition list to clarify terms:
- Chaser
- A regular quiz-show expert whose role is to challenge contestants. On The Chase, one chaser usually faces a contestant; on Beat the Chasers, multiple chasers may compete simultaneously.
- Beat the Chasers
- A spin-off of The Chase in which one contestant may face two to five (or more) Chasers at once, for higher stakes.
- Guest Chaser
- A Chaser who is not part of the regular roster, often appearing temporarily or for special episodes.
- Maverick
- The alias adopted by Joe Pasquale as guest Chaser in the Series 7 finale of Beat the Chasers.
In our study of quiz-show spin-offs, a guest Chaser often aims to refresh the format. Considering Series 7 of Beat the Chasers premiered 31 August 2025 and the finale introduced Maverick, the timing aligns with a seasonal push to keep viewership high.
Moreover, the absence of Darragh Ennis in the episode cited as due to a family bereavement opened the slot for a substitute. The show seized the opportunity with a masked reveal, generating fan chatter.
What this means for the new chaser 2025 landscape
The debut of Maverick marks more than a one-off stunt. It signals potential flexibility in the Chaser roster: guest Chasers, special appearances, and brand-style reveals. this gives longevity keywords around “new chaser 2025”, “who is Maverick on The Chase”, and “Beat the Chasers new lineup” will gain traction.
Consider the comparison:
| Chaser Type | Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Chaser | Permanent roster | Mark Labbett, Anne Hegerty |
| Guest Chaser | Temporary or special episode | Joe Pasquale = Maverick |
| Special/Replace Chaser | Covering absence | Maverick replacing Darragh Ennis in Series 7 finale |
The Joe Pasquale and Chase connection
Pasquale’s history adds credibility. He rose to fame through stand-up comedy, pantomime, and TV appearances including winner of the fourth series of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! and a contestant on Dancing on Ice in 2013.
According to fan-wiki sources, he previously appeared as a contestant in a celebrity special of Beat the Chasers in 2021. That experience positions him uniquely: familiar with the quiz format and now stepping into the role of Chaser.
For audiences, this transition offers both familiarity and surprise two key ingredients for retention in media content. Our expert take: the shift from participant to quiz-master is an under-explored narrative in this arena.
The Mavericks identity reveal and timing
The suspense leading up to the Maverick reveal is a case study in audience engagement. Clues were planted, speculation ran wild, then the unmasking occurred in the episode’s finale. The interactive element (fans guessing identity on social platforms) bolstered visibility.
What fans are asking: FAQ section
Who is Maverick on Beat the Chasers?
Maverick is the masked guest Chaser revealed in the Series 7 finale of Beat the Chasers (2025) to be Joe Pasquale.
Is Maverick a new permanent Chaser on The Chase?
No. Maverick appears to be a guest or temporary substitute Chaser rather than a full-time addition.
What is Joe Pasquale’s connection to The Chase?
Joe Pasquale is a comedian and TV personality who appeared as “Maverick” in the quiz show spin-off. He also previously competed as a contestant on a celebrity special.
Why did Darragh Ennis not appear in that episode?
Reports indicate he was absent due to a family bereavement, prompting the show to use a guest Chaser for the finale.
What does this change mean for The Chase/Beat the Chasers format?
It suggests the producers are open to guest Chasers and special line-ups, adding fresh narrative hooks and social-media engagement.
Was Maverick previously seen on the show?
No. The Maverick alias and disguise were new for the reveal and the 2025 finale episode.
How can viewers watch the episode featuring Maverick?
The episode aired on ITV and ITV+1; viewers can check the ITV streaming service or schedule for catch-up. Future episodes may follow similar format changes.
Why this matters now
From a storytelling standpoint, the appearance of Maverick delivers several key things: surprise, recognition (via Pasquale), and change (a shift in cast). These align perfectly with what we observe in high-engagement quiz show moments.
- Timely: The event happened in late 2025, making it current.
- Visual: The masked reveal is eye-catching and news-worthy.
- Search intent: Viewers are asking “who is Maverick”, “new chaser 2025”, “Joe Pasquale Chaser”.
- Longevity potential: As the format shifts, this story serves as a reference point.
Conclusion
The introduction of Maverick on Beat the Chasers marks a significant moment in the show’s evolution. With Joe Pasquale stepping into the role, supported by Bradley Walsh and the regular Chasers, the finale episode delivered both spectacle and substance. As quiz-show formats continue to innovate, understanding the Maverick moment and how guest Chasers might play into future series is key for fans and analysts alike.
As this field evolves, the ability to pick up on the next shift in lineup, format or surprise reveal will add value for viewers and content creators alike. Keep an eye on The Chase universe: the next major move could be right around the corner.
