ITV The Chase star Shaun Wallace unrecognisable in resurfaced Weakest Link episode

By Gemma Jones, Showbiz Reporter

Shaun Wallace on The Chase (Image: ITV)

Shaun Wallace has made quite the name for himself after appearing on ITV's The Chase since 2009. However, quizzing fans may have recognised him prior to that from his days as a contestant.

The Dark Destroyer, as the ITV star is often known, became a champion of the BBC general knowledge quiz Mastermind back in 2004. His specialist subject in the final was FA Cup Finals.

He was also a finalist on the first series of Are You an Egghead and appeared on Fifteen to One. However, it was an old appearance from 2001 on The Weakest Link, hosted by Anne Robinson, which left fans of The Chase in awe.

Shaun competed against eight other contestants to win a large sum of prize money by trying to remain the 'strongest link' by answering the most general knowledge questions correctly. He got down to the last five contestants where he was statistically named the weakest link after being the strongest in the round before.

Anne cheekily joked about Shaun's demeanour while on the show, as she said: "Smiling isn't one of your hobbies, is it?!"

Shaun Wallace on The Weakest Link (Image: BBC)

"Not really, no," replied Shaun. Anne continued: "You've smiled now, it's the first time I've seen you smile."

After being voted off as the weakest link and doing the walk of shame, Shaun told the camera: "I'm disappointed, I'm very disappointed because I thought I could win.

"But if you don't answer your questions in this particular game then you don't expect to win."

Shaun appears on The Chase with host Bradley Walsh (Image: Getty)

Resurfaced images from the episode have appeared on Reddit this week, with fans shocked at the difference in Shaun's looks. He looked completely different from how we see the TV star on The Chase today.

Rather than wearing a smart suit and a bald head, he sported a causal style and fashionable hairdo. Fans on the social media platform couldn't believe it was him, with one noting: "Is it just me or is it strange to see Shaun with hair?"

Another added: "41 in 2001?! He looks great now!" While a third posted: "What a dashing young chap."