The Chase contestant floors Bradley Walsh as he reveals surprise role on Downton Abbey
CONTESTANT Andrew floored host Bradley Walsh on last night’s episode of The Chase when he revealed he had a surprising role on beloved drama Downton Abbey.
The contestant, whose full name is Andrew Caley, became an actor later in life and has now appeared in several popular TV series.
Andrew explained to ITV host Bradley, 63, on Monday evening’s episode of The Chase that he went through a “life-changing” career switch at the age of 50 which saw him leave behind his 9 to 5 and pursue a career as an actor.
He said: “I’d always done some am-dram (amateur dramatics), I’d done a bit of stand-up … I just got the opportunity to go to drama school and didn’t want to give that opportunity to follow my dream [up].”
Not one to pass up such an incredible opportunity, Andrew worked hard and eventually ended up on TV.
When Bradley asked how his career has been going, Andrew replied: “Okay. I was a pig judge in Downton Abbey if that counts.”
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“Absolutely, of course it does,” replied the shocked host.
Answering more of Bradley’s questions, Andrew confirmed he was enjoying his career change.
However, the quiz show host pressed on. “More importantly, are you making a living at it?” he asked.
“Just about,” Andrew replied.
“Good for you,” Bradley responded happily.
Before taking his turn in the cash builder round, Andrew then shared that if he wins some money on the show, he plans to take a trip to Australia to go “gold hunting” with his metal detector.
He ended up doing well, winning £6,000 in the first round before going head-to-head against Mark “The Beast” Labbett. Mark, 58, presented Andrew with a low offer of £2,000 and a high offer of a staggering £30,000.
The contestant chose to stick with his earnings and made it back home safely. However, his fellow contestants failed to do the same, which meant he was flying solo in the final chase.
Sadly, Andrew’s score of 15 was no match for the Beast, who called him “too slow” and sped through his own round with 42 seconds to spare.
This meant Andrew went home without any of the prize money, but Bradley did his best to bolster his spirits.
“It’s all about getting the players back, there’s no question about that,” Bradley explained. “I hope you’ve enjoyed the day, though,” he added.
“I certainly have. It’s been fantastic,” the actor replied with a smile on his face.
Who did Andrew Caley play in Downton Abbey?
Andrew had a minor role in Downton Abbey. He appeared in the second episode of series six as a judge at the village pig competition.
I was a pig judge in Downton Abbey.
Andrew Caley
He briefly shared the screen with Michelle Dockery, awarding her character Lady Mary the honour of first place for her pig.
The episode originally aired in 2015.
Andrew’s other roles
Earlier the same year, Andrew guest starred on an episode of Doctors, playing Tom Mitchell.
And, in 2017, he took on a few more guest roles in popular shows.
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He played Michael’s priest in the BBC drama Peaky Blinders and played a landlord on Coronation Street.
Most recently, he appeared in the sixth episode of series six of The Crown. Andrew played one of the pollsters who worked on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II (Imelda Staunton) to poll public opinion on the royal family.
