ITV The Chase's Shaun Wallace breaks silence on retirement plans

Shaun Wallace, known as The Dark Destroyer on ITV's The Chase, has shared his intentions to continue his dual career as a TV personality and barrister, with no retirement in sight as the show marks its 15th year.

At 64 years old, the quiz ace is celebrating four decades in law and remains passionate about both his television and legal roles. Speaking to New Zealand Woman's Weekly, he conveyed his love for his work and quizzing, stating: "I'm celebrating 40 years in the job this year and I have no plans to retire at 65 - I love it. I love quizzing too, so I will be doing that for as long as I can."

Shaun also reflected on the transient nature of television, acknowledging the unpredictability of the industry: "I never take being on The Chase for granted. I know it could all end tomorrow, and I still pinch myself that we are celebrating our 15th anniversary this year."

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Despite the pressures of television, Shaun finds answering questions on the show less daunting than dealing with the "very stern" judges in the Court of Appeal, describing studio quizzing as a "doddle" in comparison. His fame from The Chase has led to opportunities such as hosting quizzes on cruise ships, with several bookings this year, including a recent Mediterranean voyage, reports the Mirror.

However, his celebrity status doesn't overshadow his legal profession; court attendees focus on his barristerial expertise rather than his television persona. Shaun explained: "They're there for the case; they're not interested in Shaun Wallace the Chaser; they only care about Shaun Wallace the barrister. The fact I'm on TV isn't going to give me an advantage or affect the nature of the evidence. I just get on with it."

Despite being in a relationship, The Chaser says he seems attached to his career and doesn't see marriage or starting a family in his future. On the How To Be 60 podcast hosted by Loose Women's Kaye Adams and Karen MacKenzie, Shaun revealed that his choice to remain childless was a "conscious" one.

He pinpointed his early years as a "young struggling barrister" trying to scale the professional ladder as the reason behind his decision, noting that he "didn't think it would be right" to raise a child under those circumstances. Nevertheless, Shaun has "never regretted that decision" and dotes on his 15 godchildren, proudly boasting that he is the "best godfather in the world". For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.