The Chase's Paul Sinha admits 'it's a cruel game' as fans devastated after loss

's admitted the programme can be "cruel" as he beat a team with just seconds to go. On Tuesday's instalment of the ITV quiz show, The Sinnerman took on Hayley, Lorraine, Connor and Jim. Despite Hayley, 43, being knocked out, the three other contestants proved they had what it took and made it through to the final chase, playing for £16,000.

The team ended on a score of 18, but Paul knew they could have easily made their way into the 20s. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the timer had just seconds left on the clock when Paul managed to catch their score. After the team's defeat, he confessed: "Well it's a cruel game sometimes because you played really well and I did call it, I said 20 probably would have won and 18 might not be quite enough and that's exactly how it played out so unlucky guys because you played really well."

Fans were devastated by the trio's loss, especially as it came down to the last few seconds. "Shame unlucky team," wrote one viewer as a second added: "I'm gutted they didn't win."

"So unfair," exclaimed a third as another echoed: "Made that last to the last few seconds #thechase." After Hayley was knocked out, Lorraine stepped up and answered seven questions correctly in the cash builder.

The 52-year-old university lecturer began to turn things around as she became the first contestant through to the final chase. Connor, 24, was up next, and couldn't be tempted by Paul's eye-watering offer of £65,000, opting to stick with the £5,000 he earned in the cash builder.

The final player to take on The Sinnerman was Jim, a retired police officer from York. Despite not having speed, Paul could see the 66-year-old had impressive knowledge, and was therefore not surprised when he became the third contestant through to the final chase.

Ahead of the final chase, presenter Bradley Walsh realised the strength of the team as he reflected on their cash builders, saying: "I think Connor, quite honestly, at five and Jim and four, underperformed there. I think they're better players than that."

But in a heartbreaking twist, the team were unable to outrun the chaser.