The Governess, known off-screen as Anne Hegerty, faced a rare defeat on the Australian version of the popular quiz show, The Chase, last week. Contestants Murray Fraser, Monica Lenaz, Ben Quinn, and Helen-Mary McMeekan secured a record-breaking win of $141,000, surpassing the previous record of $129,000 set earlier this year in May.
Appearing on the morning program Sunrise on Tuesday, Hegerty broke from her usual stern persona to discuss the significant loss. “The money is not coming out of my pay packet, but we don’t like losing, obviously,” she confessed to hosts Nat and Shirvo, highlighting the competitive spirit that drives the Chasers.
Inside the Game: The Challenge of Pushbacks
During the episode, Hegerty was joined by fellow Chaser Mara Lejins, known as the Smiling Assassin, who provided insight into the mechanics of the game. A key factor in the team’s victory was the number of pushbacks—opportunities for the contestants to answer questions missed by the Chaser during the final chase.
Lejins explained, “It’s really hard, because as a Chaser, no-one is cheering for you. No-one wants you to win.” She described the psychological challenge of maintaining momentum after a mistake, especially when the error involves something the Chaser realizes they knew.
“When we lose, sometimes we can come off as bad sports. But we aren’t, in my rational brain I’m really happy for them (the competing team) and it’s great, but we’re very competitive and it’s our job.”
Strategies for Success
Hegerty emphasized the importance of focus during the high-pressure environment of the show. “The thing is you have to stay completely focused in the moment,” she said, describing her technique of concentrating on The Chase host, Larry Emdur, to regain composure after a wrong answer.
Lejins shared her own strategy, adhering to a “three-second rule” to quickly decide whether she knows the answer, ensuring she doesn’t waste valuable time. Despite her prowess, she admitted to having weaknesses, particularly in subjects like NRL, although she follows AFL and tennis closely.
Anne Hegerty: Life Beyond the Show
Beyond her role on The Chase, Hegerty has become a well-known figure in Australia. However, she describes herself as “not much of a sightseer,” preferring to relax in her hotel room, engaging in online activities and quiz games.
Reflecting on her initial visit to Australia, Hegerty recounted her explorations in Melbourne during a filming break. “I went to the Botanic Gardens, went to the museum, went to the library, went to the zoo and saw Phar Lap and everything,” she recalled, fondly remembering the cultural experiences.
The Broader Impact and Future of The Chase
The record-breaking win highlights the evolving dynamics of The Chase Australia, where contestants are increasingly prepared and strategic. This development underscores the show’s enduring appeal and the competitive edge that keeps audiences engaged.
As Hegerty and her fellow Chasers continue to face formidable opponents, the show’s producers are likely to explore new formats and challenges to maintain its popularity. The recent win serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the game and the excitement it brings to viewers worldwide.
Looking ahead, fans of The Chase can expect more thrilling episodes and perhaps even higher stakes as contestants aim to break new records. Meanwhile, Hegerty remains a beloved figure, admired for her intellect and candid reflections on the pressures of the game.
