Shaun Wallace, famed as The Dark Destroyer on ITV’s The Chase, has recently opened up about his current salary situation, confessing that he now makes “a lot” more than he did during his days as a barrister.
In an eye-opening discussion about his financial upturn, the television personality disclosed that his earnings have ascended to “six zero” figures. He credited his triumph in the Mastermind contest two decades ago as a key factor in this considerable wage boost.
Despite his thriving TV career which contributes 70% of his income, Wallace has not abandoned his legal expertise completely, still engaging in criminal law work which makes up the remaining 30% of his revenue.
In a forthright interview with The Times, when asked to compare his current and past income rates, Wallace was evasive but gave a hint.
“A lot. That’s all I’ll say. How many zeros?” he said, before conceding: “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.”
Shaun Wallace stars on The Chase
(Image: (Image: ITV))
Read More
Related Articles
Read More
Related Articles
Wallace, who works alongside Bradley Walsh, further expanded on how his financial circumstances have evolved, indicating that television endeavours now dominate his income stream, reports the Mirror.
He commented on the life-altering impact of his Mastermind win in 2004, 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 personality hailing from Brent, northwest London, certainly enjoys the perks that come with a boosted bank account, openly confessing that his weakness is splurging on deluxe footwear.
During an interview, he expressed his penchant for lavish spending on shoes, admitting: “I spend about two or three thousand pounds on a pair of shoes and I’ve got a whole wardrobe full of them.”
Shaun also divulged that he’s likely invested close to £50,000 in bespoke footwear over time, yet chose not to reveal the brand because he wasn’t hunting for a freebie, preferring instead to “pay his own way in life”.
The Chasers are a smart bunch
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Shaun noted the stark financial contrast between his current lifestyle and his childhood, marked by his parents’ endeavors to make ends meet.
His mother, diligent in her role as a state registered nurse, and his father, esteemed for his work at the Heinz factory, ensured a comfortable upbringing, despite their earnings disparity. Shaun credits his parents for ensuring he “never went without”.
Beginning his professional journey with the grueling bar exam in 1984, Shaun embarked on a successful tenure as a defence lawyer. His life took an exciting turn when he appeared on Mastermind in 2004, setting him on a new trajectory.
Choosing the FA Cup Final as his specialist subject, he clinched the series title with his football expertise. Following this triumph, Shaun joined The Chase as one of the original Chasers, alongside Mark Labbett, also known as The Beast.
The Chase airs today at 5pm on ITV1 and ITVX.