The "Irish Kevin Keegan"? New Chaser Darragh Ennis sparks lookalike meme with The Chase fans

Fans of ITV's The Chase are notoriously irreverent and hyper-critical on social media and Darragh "The Menace" Ennis was bound to get a rough ride when he made his debut on the hit quiz show.

But the 40-year-old Irish post-doctoral research neuro-scientist got cautious approval from many fans.

One tweeted: "It’s a thumbs up from me time to concentrate on the game #thechase".

Another wrote: "Ooooh I like this new Chaser. Got to settle in a bit but very knowledgeable and calm. Good addition to a strong team".

His curly hair was a focus for many: "Loving Ennis the Menace. He's making me feel all nostalgic for the 70's perm #TheChase".

He even sparked a limerick, appropriately.

https://twitter.com/dailowe/status/1329478776883998720

Ennis inevitably drew comparisons to the other Chasers: "Not a surprise the new chaser is a bit nervous, big shoes/expectations to fill, I'm sure he'll find his groove. Though nobody will ever compare to Anne... wish she could be the only chaser!"

The new Chaser is basically "Irish Kevin Keegan, in cowboy get up".

https://twitter.com/sophiebiddulph/status/1329471075164499970

The lookalike theme quickly became a meme with The Chase fans. But Stan Boardman? Really?

https://twitter.com/onlyher08591011/status/1329471060929097730

Fans had waited patiently for The Menace to begin his career after ITV teased his debut for weeks. It felt like years for some.

https://twitter.com/Jamesy_c1/status/1329108329709318146

Other variations on the theme included Lovejoy star Ian McShane, '70s disco star Leo Sayer and comedian Mickey Flanagan.

Even current Chaser Jenny "The Vixen" Ryan realised the ITV schedulers had pushed fans far with his delayed debut.

https://twitter.com/jenlion/status/1329112426013405184

The Menace managed to catch two of the players in the knockout round, but he showed some nerves in the two-minute final chase making five mistakes until he pulled himself together and a run of correct answers in the final 40 seconds meant to caught the two-person team with a few seconds left.

Ennis admitted he was "relieved" to catch them. But overall it was a dream start and a welcome fresh face for The Chase team.

A fan of The Chase commented at the end of his debut: "Darragh Ennis- the new chaser on ITV’s the Chase. I love seeing a new face amongst the chasers! Quite a subdued, relaxed personality but I’m sure he’ll become a firm favourite! I was rooting for him to win! "

Earlier, host Bradley Walsh labelled him the "Dublin Dynamo" and "D Ennis The Menace" and added: “Another Chaser? ANOTHER CHASER? That’s another person cleverer than me on The Chase. I must have words with the producers. But I can’t wait to educate Darragh on the important things in life; custard creams, cowboy films and real ale.”

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