The Chase fans were left saying "I've had enough" after a contestant's shock departure just minutes into Friday's (March 14) episode.

The latest instalment of the popular quiz show featured contestants Pete, Ellie, Zainudeen, and Yvonne, who all hoped to outsmart The Dark Destroyer, aka Shaun Wallace, for a sizeable cash win.

First up was Pete, a 46-year-old clinical hypnotherapist, who managed to bag £3,000 in the cash builder round. Despite his teammates' advice to play it safe, Pete boldly opted for the high offer of £25,000.

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Host Bradley Walsh supported the move, saying: "I don't blame you, it would be mad not to," with Shaun chiming in: "Why not."

Bradley expressed his wish for more contestants to take risks, as he observed that many shy away from the higher stakes, reports .

However, Pete's gamble didn't pay off. After stumbling on a Calamity Jane question, his situation quickly deteriorated. He got the second question wrong too, leading to an early exit courtesy of the chaser.

Bradley commented post-elimination: "Game over, but you know what, I would have gone for it myself. That's the way it is."

Viewers took to X (formerly ) to vent their frustration at the swift knockout.

One viewer lamented, "First contestant out and not even 10 minutes into the programme," while another remarked, "That was a calamity."

"I usually love when people go high, but on this occasion that choice was a huge waste of time," one viewer remarked, while another chimed in with: "What on earth has happened to The Chase? I have had enough!"

Another fan expressed their frustration: "Seat 1 out with all questions wrong? And a £3K cash builder! What a poor contestant! Why are ITV casting people like him?"

On the flip side, some fans commended Pete for his bold move, with one commenting: "Bye Pete. Fair play going for it though."

"That was short. Good for him going for it though," echoed another, noting the brevity of Pete's appearance.

Despite Pete bowing out early, his three teammates managed to reach the final chase, although they ultimately couldn't outsmart The Dark Destroyer.

The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV1