Darragh Ennis, known for his role on The Chase, has expressed his ambition to become a science presenter on television after his time on the quiz show comes to an end. The 44 year old boasts qualifications in entomology and neuroscience and is keen to merge his scientific expertise with his television experience.
Speaking to Gerry Kelly, Darragh said: “I’d like to do a mixture of both. What I’d really like to do is I’d like to become a science presenter on TV.”
He lamented the lack of adult science programming in the UK and Ireland, noting the absence of shows like Tomorrow’s World. “And other than the nature programmes and maybe Brian Cox’s interstellar and planetary stuff, there’s no general science programmes for adults anymore.”
Darragh, who stars on the ITV quiz show, highlighted the importance of making science accessible to adults, as he believes many find it intimidating.
“There’s great stuff for children, but once you get past the age of 12 there’s nothing there and I’d like to fill that gap,” reports the Express.
Since 2013, Darragh has been employed at the University of Oxford’s Department of Biochemistry, where he conducts research on insect brains. When asked about his enjoyment of TV presenting, Darragh shared his enthusiasm for the medium.
The Irish quizzer confessed his ambition to emulate his ‘absolute hero’, Sir David Attenborough, the legendary 98 year old wildlife presenter. He remarked: “I love it. I always wanted to be David Attenborough growing up. That was my ambition.”
He also recalled a memorable moment, sharing: “I queued for four and a half hours to get his book signed when he came to Oxford. He’s my absolute hero.”
In the same interview, Darragh opened up about his “In the same interview Darragh shared the touching connection to his nickname on the ITV show.He opened up to broadcaster Gerry about his on-screen nickname, ‘The Menace’, which Gerry said was both ” nickname on the ITV show, revealing the poignant backstory during his chat with Gerry.
The moniker was praised by Gerry as both “obvious but clever”, which Darragh agreed with, saying: “Yeah, it just works,” and linked the nickname to his daughter’s love for The Beano, adding depth to why ” by using the first letter of his forename (D) and combining it with his surname to make D Ennis the Menace. But there’s another, more touching reason why the name is so perfect for the Chaser.When Gerry told him it was a ” fits so well.
When Gerry complimented him on the “great nickname”, Darragh mentioned: “I know. Well, I didn’t know what it was. They didn’t tell me so when I first heard it was when I walked out on set – the very first time, yeah.”
He smiled and continued: “Yeah, it just works and my daughter loves The Beano as well so it all wraps up.”
Intriguingly, he noted that unlike himself, two of his fellow Chasers had the opportunity to choose their own nicknames.