An episode of The Chase featuring a Manchester teacher who died shortly after his triumphant appearance, will air on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+ tonight.
64-year-old Tim McCarthy fulfilled a lifelong ambition of competing on the quiz show just weeks before passing away after battling a long illness.
The nail-biting £50,000 (NZ$115,000) win was kept a secret by Tim’s widow, Rachel, and their three children until it was broadcast.
He beat The Chaser by just one second alongside a fellow contestant.
During the episode, Tim told The Chase host Bradley Walsh that he had been “blessed in his career” as a teacher.
“I’m just trying to give a bit back now,” he said.
“I genuinely don’t want any money. I’m here to have fun.”
Tim McCarthy was fulfilling an ambition to appear on the quiz show. (Source: TVNZ)
Supporters packed The Colliers pub in Greater Manchester for the UK screening of the episode, where his victory was greeted with roars of celebration.
Rachel told the BBC her husband Tim, who was a massive fan of the show, feared he might be excluded from the show if producers knew of his diagnosis.
“Tim liked to punch the air when he won on the horses, and this was a punch-the-air moment,” she said.
Although the family never got to spend his share of the winnings, Rachel said she hoped the episode would serve as a celebration of his life.
The episode will air on New Zealand screens tonight at 5pm.
The Chase will soon be arriving in New Zealand when Paul Henry hosts a series of shows – with the broadcast date yet to be announced.
The Chase is on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+ daily at 5pm.
