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ITV viewers are scrambling to identify the masked newcomer known only as "Maverick" ahead of Sunday's finale of Beat The Chasers - but one of the show's stars has dismissed the online sleuths' predictions outright.
Mark Labbett, famously known as The Beast, ignited further speculation when he posted on social media: "Loving the speculation about the guest chaser 'Maverick'. Every single comment so far is wrong :)"
His remarks have done little to quell the frenzy, with fans firing off theories and counter-theories across social media platforms.
Maverick stepped in for Darragh Ennis, also known as The Menace, who did not appear in the finale.
One viewer guessed: "Beat The Chasers my guess. Rob Rinder. Probs wildly off but hey ho." Another speculated: "Maverick is that Eggheads bloke, Kevin." A third chimed in: "Already taking a dislike to Maverick."
Elsewhere, users demanded answers: "Who is Maverick? @BradleyWalsh #beatthechasers" and "Is the Maverick an official new chaser or just there to fill a spare seat?"
The surge in speculation followed the release of a mysterious teaser video earlier this week. It featured a figure in a black suit adorned with question marks, a red and black mask, and a bowler hat concealing their face.
The promo declared: "There's A New Face In Town... The Maverick Has Joined The Chasers! But Who Could It Be? Find Out Sunday At 8pm On ITV!"
Popular guesses have included comic icon Jasper Carrott - with multiple viewers convinced he is behind the mask - and WWE star Kane, whose name has been shouted with wrestling-style fervour.
Presented by Bradley Walsh, Beat The Chasers sees contestants take on up to six quizzing giants for a chance to win as much as £600,000. Players must first survive a tense multiple-choice Cash Builder before facing the full panel of Chasers.
The current line-up includes Anne Hegerty (The Governess), Paul Sinha (The Sinnerman), Jenny Ryan (The Vixen), Shaun Wallace (The Dark Destroyer), and Mark Labbett (The Beast), with Ennis being temporarily replaced by the enigmatic Maverick.
Despite the feverish theorising, Labbett's words suggest viewers will have to wait until broadcast to learn the truth.