A mysterious masked quizzer known as Maverick will make their debut on ITV’s Beat the Chasers this Sunday evening, stepping in for regular Chaser Darragh ‘The Menace’ Ennis in a one-off appearance.

The enigmatic newcomer will join the established quiz experts for the series finale on October 19 at 8pm, marking just the second occasion a guest has appeared on the programme.

Promotional material released earlier this week featured the concealed figure sporting a distinctive black suit decorated with question marks.

The identity of the incoming brainbox remained hidden beneath a red and black mask paired with a bowler hat.

The temporary substitution has sparked intense speculation amongst viewers about who might be behind the disguise.

In footage shared by ITV, the masked figure introduces themselves to host Bradley Walsh, declaring “My name is Maverick” before explaining the moniker stems from being “a lone wolf”.

The mystery quizzer added a personal touch, claiming the name also honours family members: “My name comes from my nan and grandad. Mave and Rick.”

The reveal prompted comical reactions from the regular Chasers who took part in the promo, with Paul ‘The Sinnerman’ Sinha exclaiming “I want my mum!” whilst Shaun ‘The Dark Destroyer’ Wallace performed a poem to commemorate the debut.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Rob Rinder fumes ‘something’s gone wrong’ as ITV GMB star rips into Maccabi Tel Aviv banGraham Linehan shows support for Thomas Skinner as he reaches out to Strictly star amid lefty abuseKatie Price breaks silence after revealing name of British celebrity who allegedly raped her

Mr Wallace’s verse offered cryptic hints about Maverick’s identity, stating “We know who it is but we won’t name him” before clarifying “it’s not Simon Le Bon or Britney Spears.”

Social media has erupted with theories about Maverick’s true identity, with Birmingham comedian Jasper Carrott emerging as the overwhelming favourite amongst viewers.

Comments beneath promotional videos show fans expressing strong convictions, with one declaring they’re “convinced it’s Jasper Carrott” whilst another insisted they would “be shocked if it’s not Jasper Carrott.”

The 79-year-old entertainer would bring significant quiz show experience to the role, having previously presented the game show Golden Balls alongside his comedy programmes Carrott’s Commercial Breakdown and The Detectives.

Maverick’s introduction represents only the second instance of a guest appearing on Beat the Chasers, following Australian quizzer Issa Schultz’s participation in 2022 when he substituted for Anne Hegerty after she contracted COVID-19.

The new contestant’s involvement is strictly limited to Sunday’s finale, with Mr Ennis set to resume his regular duties on both The Chase and Beat the Chasers afterwards.

For the special episode, Maverick will join the five remaining quiz experts: Anne ‘The Governess’ Hegerty, Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett, Mr Sinha, Jenny ‘The Vixen’ Ryan and Mr Wallace.

Contestants facing the panel could potentially win up to £600,000 if they achieve a perfect cash-builder round and challenge all six Chasers.