The Chase stars face furious cheating claims over new gameplay approach

The Chase graced our screens once again as four hopeful contestants tried their luck to snag a hefty prize pot against one of the brainiest boffins on telly.

In the latest instalment, Bradley Walsh presided over the quiz battleground where Ben, 25, Reed, 77, Sue, 57, and Johnny from Leicester faced off with Jenny "The Vixen" Ryan.

Following a nail-biting individual chase, only Sue and Ben progressed to the final chase, aiming to split the winnings equally.

Eagle-eyed fans, however, were quick to spot what they reckoned was foul play. During the all-important final chase, Sue consistently said, "I don't know," rather than "pass," enabling Ben extra cracks at answering.

This strategic move disgruntled viewers, who took to social media platforms to express their disdain, suggesting it flouted game show etiquette, reports the Express.

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Twitter user @SomersetWasBlue queried: "Surely calling out 'Don't know' in #TheChase final amounts to 'wrong person answer'?"

Another tweet from @Mysteron_Voice read: "Actually *saying* 'I don't know' seems a bit cheaty though and perhaps should technically count as a pass."

Joining the online uproar, @AidyWhenImGood chimed in: "I think it's cheating, surely you can't confer?" @dailowe pondered: "I'd always assumed that saying anything without buzzing counted as a wrong person wrong answer Seems folks never did it cos it never occurred to them."

Nonetheless, some defended the duo's actions, with another fan arguing: "Not cheating if it ain't against the rules."

Bradley Walsh commended the pair's strategy on The Chase, saying: "I'll tell you what was brilliant when Sue didn't know an answer you were saying 'I don't know,' and giving you (Ben) the chance to buzz in and pass or have a go at it, and I thought that was a brilliant tack tick. Really good."

Jenny Ryan also praised their approach, noting it was "a really admirable tactical performance".

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