📺 The Chase viewers were left baffled over the weekend after ITV aired an old celebrity repeat featuring the late Len Goodman — just one night after another episode included The Vivienne.
The Saturday night episode, originally broadcast in 2021, saw the beloved former Strictly Come Dancing head judge appear as captain of a celebrity team.
Len, who died in 2023 aged 78 after a short illness with bone cancer, was joined by Nicki Chapman, Will Kirk and Joe Pasquale as they took on Chaser Darragh “The Menace” Ennis.
But while some fans were delighted to see Len back on screen, others admitted the scheduling felt surreal.
💔 The reaction was especially strong because ITV had aired another repeat the night before featuring The Vivienne.
The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died last year. The drag star had appeared on The Chase in 2023 alongside Jayde Adams, Naughty Boy and Tony Cottee.
Seeing two repeats featuring late stars on consecutive nights left some viewers confused, with several taking to X to question ITV’s scheduling.
One viewer said it was “surreal yet nice” to see Len again, adding that they had always rated him.
Another suggested people should view the episode as a tribute rather than a mistake.
⚡ Others were far less impressed.
Some fans accused ITV of relying too heavily on old repeats during primetime, with one viewer calling it “disgraceful” to air an old episode where a contestant had since passed away.
Another joked darkly that Len had been “brought back to life” by ITV, while others questioned why such an old edition was being shown on a Saturday night.
The comments showed a clear split.
For some, the episode was a warm reminder of a much-loved TV figure.
For others, it felt uncomfortable and oddly timed.
🌟 Len Goodman remains one of British television’s most cherished personalities.
Best known for his years as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, he became famous for his warmth, humour and unmistakable judging style.
His death in 2023 prompted tributes from across the entertainment world, with fans remembering him as a gentleman of ballroom and a familiar weekend TV presence.
That affection may be why many viewers found the repeat emotional rather than offensive.
Seeing Len laughing, answering questions and enjoying the show brought back memories of a star who was deeply loved by the public.
🕯️ The Vivienne’s appearance the previous night also struck an emotional chord.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner was remembered by fans as a bold, funny and groundbreaking performer.
An inquest later heard that The Vivienne died after an acute ketamine overdose, with the coroner recording a verdict of death by misadventure.
For viewers who admired the star, seeing the repeat was bittersweet.
It was a reminder of their charisma, but also of the tragedy of their sudden death.
📌 The debate raises a bigger question for broadcasters.
Should channels continue airing old game show episodes featuring celebrities who have since died?
There is no simple answer.
Repeats can feel like tributes, allowing fans to enjoy joyful moments from stars they miss.
But without warning or context, they can also shock viewers who are not expecting to see someone who has passed away appear in a light entertainment slot.
That is exactly what seemed to happen here.
👀 ITV has been contacted for comment, but the reaction online has already made the episode a talking point.
Some viewers argued that repeats are normal and should not be treated as disrespectful.
Others said broadcasters should be more careful, especially when airing episodes featuring multiple late celebrities within the same weekend.
The Chase has long been a reliable favourite for ITV, and celebrity editions are often repeated.
But this weekend’s scheduling clearly hit differently.
💫 For many fans, the sight of Len Goodman on screen was emotional rather than offensive.
He appeared cheerful, competitive and full of the charm that made him a national treasure.
The same was true for viewers who remembered The Vivienne with affection.
Still, the surprise of seeing both late stars in back-to-back repeats created an awkward moment for ITV.
📺 What was meant to be ordinary weekend entertainment became a reminder of two much-loved figures no longer here.
Some viewers smiled.
Some were unsettled.
Some questioned the decision.
But one thing was clear: Len Goodman and The Vivienne both still have the power to make audiences stop, remember and talk.
