Where is Paul Sinha? Why quizzer is not on Beat the Chasers this week - and if he has left The Chase

Fans are delighted that Beat The Chasers is back on TV screens.

For those unfamiliar with the show, it’s a version of popular ITV daytime quiz programme The Chase with a dose of added pressure.

The Chasers team up to take on a series of players from across the UK who are confident they can outsmart them, making for nail-biting viewing under the lead of Bradley Walsh.

Season two of the programme was aired in January of this year and proved a hit with fans.

This time around, it aired on Monday (3 May) at 9pm and continues to return every weekday night this week - but loyal fans were left wondering where Paul Sinha was when he did not appear for season three.

Will he return to Beat The Chasers?

Here is everything you need to know.

Why is Paul Sinha not on Beat The Chasers?

Only five of the six Chasers will be featured in this series of the special spin-off show.

That includes fan-favourites Mark “The Beast” Labbett, Shaun “The Dark Destroyer” Wallace, Anne “The Governess” Hegerty, Jenny “The Vixen” Ryan and, for the first time, Darragh “The Menace” Ennis after he joined The Chase last year.

But a noticeable omission is Paul Sinha, 50, also known as The Sinnerman on the ITV show.

He has been a part of the hit quiz series since 2011, after he joined as the fourth Chaser.

As well as The Sinnerman, he became known as The Smiling Assassin, and Sarcasm in a Suit.

Paul wasn’t about when the five-night series returned on Monday.

However, fans will be relieved to know that his absence is down to a simple reason: he was ill when filming took place.

In a Tweet back in March, Paul revealed his explanation for not being on the show this time around.

He simply said: “New episodes of Beat the Chasers are on their way. Unfortunately, I wasn't well for the recordings and couldn't join in this time around. I'm feeling much better now. X."

It was bad luck for Paul, as for the first time Beat The Chasers was supposed to feature all of the quizzers on screen together.

He will unfortunately not join the fellow Chasers in trying to beat a whole host of hopefuls as they take on some of the UK’s brainiest people.

How did Paul’s fans react?

Paul’s fans were quick to react to the news, with one replying to the Tweet: “You will be missed from the new episodes. Glad you’re feeling better now though x.”

Someone else wrote: "Glad you're feeling better Paul you will be a big miss from beat the chasers x."

And another said: "Glad you're feeling better. Won't be the same without my favourite Chaser."

ITV said: "All six Chasers were due to film series three of Beat The Chasers. Unfortunately Paul Sinha was unwell at the time of record, so the line-up is as follows: Mark Labbett, Anne Hegerty, Shaun Wallace, Jenny Ryan and Darragh Ennis. Bradley Walsh hosts."

In the series, contestants are given the option of playing multiple Chasers for increasing amounts of money - but with a decreasing time advantage against them.

Episodes will air from Monday 3 May until Friday 7 May at 9pm on ITV and the ITV Hub.

The show will also return for another series later this year as well as another celebrity special.