An 83-year-old from Cheshire won the hearts of fans of The Chase with an endearing performance in tonight's episode.
Rita, a police support volunteer, was the fourth contestant to test her knowledge against Chaser Shaun Wallace.
She was joined on her team by Adam, a 30 year old mortgage advisor from Bradford, Nathan, a 40 year old marketing manager from Norfolk and Emma, 23, a psychoanalysis masters student from Middlesex.
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Adam was first up and he clearly riled The Dark Destroyer by calling him "a pussycat."
The 61-year old barrister made short work of the mortgage advisor and caught him when he was still three steps from home.
While Nathan confidently took £6,000 back home, it was proving to a difficult night for the team as Emma got caught despite taking the lower offer of £500.
This meant it was now time for the 83-year old to face the Chaser - and fans were wowed when she told Bradley Walsh her unbelievable story.
Rita revealed she was the widow of a war hero paratrooper who got injured during World War II before he died in 1998.
The heroic lady has since volunteered for the Red Cross and the police - and even worked as part of CID and the Drug Squad.
But while she was caught when she was just one step away from home, Rita had still clearly won the hearts of The Chase who took to Twitter to speak of their admiration.
Sean McLachlan (@Sean__McLachlan) tweeted: "Rita could be the cutest contestant on any game show ever. My heart is full. #TheChase"
Tom Oxley @thomasoxley said: "Awww I love Rita!!!! We need more of her on TV! Brad should have a TV show with her!!!! #TheChase
Michael MM @mickmar29 added: "Lovely Rita. Even the Beatles wrote a song about her."
@Garynuman249 tweeted to say: "Rita, love her, bless her. Wish she was my grandma."
While Rita left empty-handed, she did receive a kiss on the cheek from Bradley who also sent a good will message to her colleague, Mo, who is a huge fan of The Chase presenter.
Shaun Wallace eventually caught Nathan in the Final Chase which meant nobody took home the cash prize.
The Chase returns tomorrow at 5pm
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