Darragh Ennis: The Scientist, Quizzer, and TV Star
Darragh Ennis is an Irish entomologist, neuroscientist, professional quizzer, and television personality. Born on September 29, 1980, in Dublin, Ireland, he gained fame as one of the chasers on ITV’s popular game show The Chase, where he is known by his nickname “The Menace.” Apart from his television career, he is also a researcher at the University of Oxford, where he specializes in neuroscience, focusing on insect brains.
Early Life and Education
Educational Background
Darragh Ennis grew up in Rathcoole, Dublin, and pursued higher education at Maynooth University. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2003 and later earned a Ph.D. in Ecology in 2008. His research primarily focused on non-chemical methods of controlling insect pests in forestry.
Scientific Career
After completing his doctorate, Ennis worked as a biomedical scientist at ICON plc for a year. He then moved to Canada, where he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Concordia University in Montreal from 2010 to 2012. Since 2013, he has been working at the University of Oxford as a lab manager and research technician in the Department of Biochemistry, specializing in neuroscience and insect brain research.
Rise to Television Fame
First Appearance on The Chase
Darragh Ennis first gained recognition when he appeared as a contestant on The Chase in 2017. During his episode, he won £9,000 in the Cash Builder round and successfully defeated chaser Paul Sinha. However, his teammates opted for lower offers, which significantly reduced the final prize pot to £6,300. This frustrated many viewers, who started a GoFundMe campaign to compensate Ennis for his lost winnings. Instead of keeping the money, he requested it be donated to charity.
Becoming a Chaser
His impressive performance on The Chase caught the attention of the show’s producers, and in April 2020, he was announced as the sixth Chaser on the show. His debut episode aired on November 19, 2020, attracting 4.9 million viewers—the highest ever for an episode of The Chase. He quickly became popular among fans, earning the nickname “The Menace.”
Other TV Appearances
In addition to The Chase, Ennis has also appeared on ITV’s Rebound (2015) and Beat the Chasers (2021–present). His expertise and quick thinking have made him one of the toughest chasers on the show.
Personal Life
Darragh Ennis’ Wife and Children
Darragh Ennis is married to a fellow scientist, whom he met during his time at Maynooth University. They were friends and housemates before their relationship evolved. The couple has two children and resides in Oxford, England. Despite his television fame, Ennis prefers to keep his personal life private and rarely shares details about his family.
Multilingual Skills and Interests
Apart from English, Ennis speaks Irish and German fluently. He is a sports fan and supports Dublin GAA and Liverpool F.C.
Darragh Ennis’ Book
On May 12, 2024, Ennis announced his book “The Body: 10 Things You Should Know” via Instagram. It was released on September 26, 2024, and delves into fascinating facts about the human body, blending scientific knowledge with an engaging writing style.
Darragh Ennis’ Net Worth
As of 2024, Darragh Ennis’ estimated net worth is £1 million. His earnings come from his role as a chaser on The Chase, his scientific research, and his book sales.
Tragic Loss of His Father
In July 2024, Ennis suffered the heartbreaking loss of his father due to dementia. To cope with this personal tragedy, he took a brief break from The Chase before returning. He later revealed that the high-pressure environment of the show became overwhelming, but the producers provided support and counseling to help him through this difficult time.
Darragh Ennis’ Legacy and Future
Darragh Ennis has successfully balanced his career as a scientist and a television personality. His contributions to entomology and neuroscience continue to make an impact, while his sharp quizzing skills entertain millions worldwide. With his book release and continued role on The Chase, his future remains promising.
FAQs
How old is Darragh Ennis?
As of 2024, Darragh Ennis is 44 years old.
What is Darragh Ennis’ nickname?
He is known as “The Menace” on The Chase.
How many children does Darragh Ennis have?
He has two children.
What is Darragh Ennis’ educational background?
He holds a BSc in Biology and a Ph.D. in Ecology from Maynooth University.
What is Darragh Ennis’ net worth?
His estimated net worth is £1 million.
Darragh Ennis continues to inspire many with his intelligence, hard work, and dedication to both science and television. Whether on The Chase or in the lab, his impact remains significant and far-reaching.
