Shaun Wallace, known as The Dark Destroyer on The Chase, has revealed his earnings for 2024, confessing that he’s now banking “a lot” more than he ever did during his barrister days. He disclosed that his salary had hit an incredible “six zero” level, attributing this significant financial leap to his victory on Mastermind 20 years ago.
Despite becoming a familiar face on television, accounting for 70 per cent of his income, Shaun still dedicates time to the legal profession, which makes up the other 30 per cent. Speaking candidly with The Times about his financial journey from law to TV, The Dark Destroyer said: “A lot. That’s all I’ll say. How many zeros?”.
He went on to reveal: “Well into six-zero territory and my earnings have increased massively since I’ve started working in TV. I got paid well as a barrister but I’m now earning about ten times the amount I was before.”
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Now 64, Shaun opened up about his dual-income life, stating: “I still practise, though, so I have a dual income. Probably 70 per cent of my income comes from my TV work and 30 per cent from the legal side. Everything changed when I won Mastermind in 2004. Not just my finances, my whole life.”
The TV star from Brent, northwest London, has a penchant for luxury, especially when it comes to footwear. He confessed: “I spend about two or three thousand pounds on a pair of shoes and I’ve got a whole wardrobe full of them.”, reports the Express.
He also revealed that he’s shelled out approximately £50,000 on bespoke shoes but declined to name the brand, stating he “didn’t want a free pair” as he likes to “pay his own way in life”.
Shaun reflected on his humble beginnings, contrasting them with his current lavish lifestyle, noting his parents’ financial challenges. His mother worked hard as a state registered nurse and his father was employed at the renowned Heinz factory, according to the Mirror.
Despite their limited earnings, Shaun emphasised that he had a comfortable upbringing, never lacking anything thanks to his parents’ efforts. After passing the bar exam in 1984, Shaun pursued a career in defence law.
His path changed direction after winning Mastermind in 2004 with the FA Cup Finals as his specialist subject. This victory led him to join The Chase as an original Chaser, where he appears alongside Mark Labbett, known as The Beast.