Maltese On UK Game Show Sparks Controversy After Comments About Malta

A Maltese contestant on ITV’s The Chase sparked a heated social media debate after telling host Bradley Walsh he has no plans to return to Malta.

Darryl, who moved to England six years ago, said: “No, I haven't been back since... and I don’t plan to return either,” after Walsh mentioned he had always wanted to visit the island. The exchange led to joking about whether Darryl was “on the run.”

Former Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi reacted angrily on Facebook, calling Darryl a “douche bag” and writing: “Who the f*#**! is this douche bag? … He introduced himself as coming from Malta, and said he is glad to have left. Will never go back. Would you believe it?? Douche bag.”

Her post attracted hundreds of reactions, sparking both praise and criticism.

Maltese content creator Kurt Rumbajsa urged people to “calm down,” arguing that Malta’s post-colonial history has created a tendency to treat any criticism as treason. He said: “Malta is neither hell nor heaven on earth. If someone criticises the island, just try to understand where they are coming from or simply do not say anything.”

Some social media users defended Mizzi, calling her “brave,” while others backed Darryl, citing overdevelopment and overtourism as valid reasons for his opinion. Mizzi insisted Darryl appeared “arrogant… looking down on his country just because he lives in London.”

#MaltaDaily