Bradley Walsh admits 'I've never done this before' in ITV The Chase first

Bradley Walsh made a show first during last night's edition of The Chase as he met with a loveable contestant. Fresh faces taking on Mark Labbett for a substantial cash prize came in the form of Alex, Nicky, Michelle and Joe - the latter a 78-year-old Chelsea pensioner from London.

Decked out in a full Army uniform with shining medals, Joe racked up an admirable £4,000 in his Cash Builder, before taking on The Beast to bring funds back to the rest of the team for a Final Chase. And following his impressive performance back to safety, Bradley admitted: "I've never done this before," before high-fiving the player in celebration.

And a number of fans were buzzing for Joe after his appearance on the ITV gameshow, taking to social media to praise him. One wrote: "Joe has such a youthful face for a pensioner. Seems like a thoroughly nice, happy chap." Another, added: "I want Joe to win. The others can do one," while a third, wrote: "Joe on #thechase, what a top bloke."

• Read more: Bradley Walsh admits 'I better watch out' after The Chase contestant shares surprise hobby

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The Star reports that speaking to Bradley about his life in the Royal Chelsea Hospital earlier in the show, the contestant revealed that he runs a quiz night each Monday, while the residents also have an abundance of other activities to keep them content. He explained: "I live with 274 other veterans in the barracks.

"We are ambassadors for the veteran community and I've been to several places on duty. I also run a quiz on a Monday, bingo on a Tuesday and there's a local radio station and I'm a presenter on that." He added: "And then there's Scrabble, our own bowls team, we have a putting green, and an art group."

Speaking on how he would spend his winnings, he went on: "Well, I love to travel. I went to Canada a couple of years ago but I have a friend in Melbourne who I'd love to go and see. Failing that I'd love to do a battlefield tour of the American Civil War."

The show ended in disappointment for Joe however, with Mark making light work of he, Michelle and Alex in the Final Chase - where a respectable £9,000 jackpot was on offer.