Darragh Ennis Wants to Reboot Iconic Irish Quiz Show
In the high-stakes world of quiz television, few personalities command the screen quite like Darragh Ennis, the Irish star known as 'The Menace' on ITV's hit show The Chase. With his sharp wit and unyielding quiz prowess, Ennis has become a household name in the UK and Ireland. But beyond chasing contestants for their cash prizes, the former scientist is eyeing bigger horizons in television. In a candid interview with RSVP Magazine, Ennis revealed his ambition to revive a beloved 90s Irish game show and carve out a niche in science programming, signaling a exciting pivot in his career.
From Lab Coats to Quiz Thrones: Ennis's Journey
Darragh Ennis's path to TV stardom is anything but conventional. Before captivating audiences on The Chase, he spent years in scientific research, delving into the intricacies of biology and management in labs. 'I still do sciencey stuff,' Ennis shared, highlighting his ongoing passion for the field. He has authored books, including a recent release on the human body and an upcoming one exploring memory—topics that blend his expertise with accessible education.
Reflecting on his lab days, Ennis admitted the grueling hours and modest pay left him seeking new challenges. 'I don't miss being in the lab; it was very hard work,' he said. Yet, his love for science endures. Transitioning to TV has allowed him to share knowledge in a more dynamic way, but he feels there's untapped potential. Ennis believes the market lacks engaging science content for adults, a gap he is eager to fill.
A Call for Adult Science Shows
Ennis's vision extends to creating a dedicated science TV show aimed at grown-up viewers. 'There's not many science TV shows for adults. I think there really is room for an adult-based science show,' he enthused. Drawing from his background, he imagines a program that demystifies complex topics like human physiology and cognitive functions, making them entertaining rather than didactic. This idea resonates in an era where educational content often skews toward children or sensationalized documentaries. For UK and Irish audiences, such a show could bridge entertainment and enlightenment, much like The Chase does for trivia.
His book projects underscore this commitment. The human body tome, released last year, breaks down anatomical wonders in layman's terms, while the memory book promises insights into how our brains retain (or forget) information—perfect fodder for quiz enthusiasts. Ennis's dual role as author and on-screen talent positions him uniquely to lead this charge, potentially partnering with broadcasters like RTÉ or ITV for a fresh format.
Reviving Blackboard Jungle: A Nostalgic Quiz Comeback
Ennis isn't just thinking science; he's got his sights set on Irish television heritage. He passionately advocates for the reboot of Blackboard Jungle, the iconic 90s quiz show hosted by Ray D'Arcy. Airing from 1991 to 1998, the program pitted secondary school teams against each other in spirited competitions, culminating in grand finals that captured national imagination. 'I've also been a strong advocate that we should relaunch Blackboard Jungle,' Ennis declared. 'I would love to host an Irish quiz show.'
Picture Ennis at the helm: his quiz mastery would infuse the revival with modern energy, perhaps incorporating digital elements or broader themes while honoring the original's schoolyard rivalry. He even pitched an Irish version of The Chase, only to face rejection. Undeterred, Ennis sees a regular quiz slot on Irish TV as a fun, engaging staple. In a landscape dominated by reality formats, a smart quiz show could reclaim prime-time slots, appealing to families and trivia buffs alike.
This push for Blackboard Jungle taps into 90s nostalgia, a trend sweeping media with reboots like Gladiators and Blind Date. For Irish viewers, it would celebrate educational entertainment, fostering a new generation of quiz whizzes. Ennis's enthusiasm is infectious, promising a show that's both intellectually stimulating and joyfully competitive.
Reality TV Temptations and What He's Not Up For
While quiz and science dominate his wishlist, Ennis isn't closing doors on reality TV—selectively. Colleagues like Mark Labbett on Celebs Go Dating and Anne Hegarty on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! have ventured into the genre, and Ennis is intrigued. 'If they did Celebrity Traitors in Ireland, I would be absolutely all over that,' he gushed, envisioning his strategic mind thriving in deception-based challenges.
Taskmaster appeals too, though he doubts his comedian credentials would land him a spot. Dating shows? Firmly off-limits. And as for Ireland's Dancing With The Stars? Ennis laughed it off: 'I literally can't dance, I have no sense of rhythm.' His wedding dance prep involved memorizing footwork to song lyrics—a testament to his analytical approach, but not stage-worthy. 'It wouldn't even be funny; it would just be really sad,' he quipped.
These candid admissions humanize Ennis, showing a star who's game for intellectual pursuits but draws lines at physical or romantic exposures. His selectivity could guide future casting, positioning him as a thoughtful reality contender rather than a tabloid fixture.
Upcoming Ventures and Fan Engagement
Ennis keeps busy with live events, including The Ultimate Pub Quiz with Darragh Ennis touring Wales, Dublin, and Belfast this February. Tickets are available at ourritaslive.com, offering fans interactive trivia nights led by the man himself. These outings bridge his TV persona with grassroots entertainment, building anticipation for his broader ambitions.
As The Chase continues to dominate ratings, Ennis's multifaceted plans— from science books to show reboots—signal a bright future. Whether helming Blackboard Jungle 2.0 or pioneering adult edutainment, he's poised to redefine Irish TV. For now, catch the full interview in February's RSVP Magazine and join the quiz frenzy live. Darragh Ennis isn't just chasing prizes; he's chasing innovation.
(Word count: 742)
