THE CHASERS are mourning the second contestant death in a matter of weeks with Darragh Ennis leading the tributes.
The death of Mike Johnson – who was both a player on The Chase and Beat The Chaser – was announced on the ITV show’s Instagram account.
Posting a smiling black and white picture of Mike with host Bradley Walsh, the caption read: “We are deeply saddened by the news that Mike Johnson has passed away.
“A fantastic Beat the Chasers and Chase contestant, our thoughts are with Mike’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“Bradley, the Chasers and production loved meeting and spending time with Mike and making him part of the Beat The Chasers & The Chase family.”
Fans of the show rushed to send their condolences, with Chaser Darragh, also known as The Menace, among the first to comment.
He wrote: “Such a sad loss. A really fun and entertaining contestant.”
Another person added: “That’s so sad, he was an amazing contestant on both The Chase and Beat The Chasers and one I’ll never forget. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
A fan said: “I remember when he was a contestant on The Chase, he was one of my favourite ones and his voices were amazing I’m sorry to hear this.”
A viewer paid tribute and commented: “He was a fantastic contestant, condolences to his family, Rest In Peace, Mike.”
No cause of death has yet been announced.
Mike’s passing comes just a few weeks after Chaser Paul Sinha paid an emotional tribute to contestant Pete Green who was found dead before his episode aired.
Quizzer Paul – known as The Sinnerman on the show – went head to head with pensioner Pete after he made it to the final chase.
The 72-year-old filmed the episode but never got the chance to see it air after dying in a house fire.
Paul wrote on Twitter: “Saddened to hear that Pete from today’s Chase has since passed away in horrible circumstances.
“A true gentleman, a warm, engaging and thoroughly entertaining opponent.”
