The Chase Australia: Mara Lejins on rumours of tension between Chasers

The youngest-ever quizzer on The Chase Australia has brushed off rumours of tension among the game show’s fearsome Chasers.

Rumours of a rift emerged after long-time Chaser Anne ‘The Governess’ Hegerty said she was unhappy to learn the British version was on the hunt for younger quizzers.

Her remarks about the UK recruitment drive came as the Australian version of the series welcomed 27-year-old Mara Lejins, a.k.a. ‘The Smiling Assassin’.

After Daily Mail Australia reported on the speculation, Lejins shared a screenshot of the article on Instagram and downplayed the rift.

Referencing how Hegerty had compared the new recruits to Love Island contestants, she wrote: ‘I mean, I think I would rock Love Island.’

She then added a lighthearted poll: ‘Keen for a The Chase/Love Island crossover?’

Rumours have surfaced of a rift between the stars of The Chase Australia, after long-time Chaser Anne ‘The Governess’ Hegerty (pictured) said she was unhappy to learn the British version of the show was on the hunt for younger quizzers 

Hegerty had ‘expressed disappointment’ at the move to bring in twentysomething Chasers ‘who look like they could be on Love Island’, reports Woman’s Day.

She said the try-outs were often done at short notice without the Chasers being notified, adding: ‘It will be sprung on us. I guess we’ll just have to put up with it.’

Ms Hegerty said she would be ‘p**sed off’ if she were to be replaced by one of the younger recruits because ‘she would not be as good as me’.

After Daily Mail Australia reported on the speculation, Lejins shared a screenshot of the article on Instagram and downplayed the rift. Referencing how Hegerty had compared the new recruits to Love Island contestants, she wrote: ‘I mean, I think I would rock Love Island’

While she was referring to the British version of The Chase, her comments would likely also apply to the Australian show, which airs on Channel Seven.

She is currently in Australia filming new episodes alongside newcomer Lejins, who has joined the program under the gimmick ‘The Smiling Assassin’.

Lejins, who joins Ms Hegerty, Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett and Issa ‘The Supernerd’ Schultz, has warned the contestants that looks can be deceiving and they mustn’t underestimate her.

Channel Seven’s hit quiz show The Chase Australia has introduced a new Chaser: Mara Lejins

The brainy blonde sported a pink dress and matching headband in a trailer released earlier this month.

‘I only smile when I’m trying to take down contestants. That’s why I’m always smiling,’ she said.

Ms Lejins debuted on Monday, August 8, following the conclusion of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. 

Ms Lejins, who joins Hegerty, Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett and Issa ‘The Supernerd’ Schultz, has warned the contestants that looks can be deceiving and they mustn’t underestimate her 

Her introduction comes after Larry Emdur replaced Andrew O’Keefe as host last year.

O’Keefe has had a specular fall from grace in recent years, and in January was filmed kicking and screaming in the back of a police van after being charged with assault.

It was just the latest in a long line of sad scandals for the 50-year-old former Deal or No Deal host, who used to be one of Australia’s most popular TV presenters.

Ms Lejins debuted on Monday, August 8, after the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games 

His public misdemeanours saw Seven choose to not renew his contract last year. 

From once being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his extensive television and charity work to public outbursts, O’Keefe has had a difficult journey over recent years.

He first faced court on January 28 but his appearance was delayed so his mental health could be assessed by magistrate Robert Williams and O’Keefe’s personal psychiatrist Dr Michael Atherton.

Her introduction comes after Larry Emdur (pictured) replaced Andrew O’Keefe as host in 2021

Source: | Dailymail.co.uk