If you’ve spent any time watching The Chase lately (and let’s face it, it’s on all the time), then you’ve definitely seen that now-infamous bingo advert. You know the one—the over-the-top lady with big facial expressions, slamming the button like she’s trying to break it, and yelling “Bingo!” no matter what the answer is. It’s absurd, it’s a little annoying… and weirdly unforgettable.
Meet Laura Stevely – The Woman Behind the Madness
The girl in the ad is Laura Stevely, a trained actress who’s featured in multiple roles across British tv, theatre, and online campaigns. While she’s never had her own show, her short role in this bingo ad has exploded in popularity. She stars in the campaign that supports Gala’s (sorry—Gala Bingo was recently removed from parts of the promotion) partnership with The Chase.
In the ad, she acts as a mock host, delivering every answer as “Bingo!”—whether it’s a capital city, a historical fact, or just something ridiculous. It’s part comedy, part chaos, and all part of a very memorable advertising strategy.
Why Is This Campaign Everywhere?
The campaign was originally launched as a quirky way to grab attention between quiz segments. ITV and their advertisers are clearly leaning into high-energy, repetitive humour that sticks in viewers’ heads. And it’s worked. According to ad channels and digital media reports, brand recall is way up. In a saturated market with so many options for ads, this kind of creative content makes people stop and watch.
Some viewers have even taken to forums to review it—often with mixed feelings. One person called it “the worst thing since sliced soap,” while another said, “This woman is a governess of good vibes.” (Not everyone got the joke.)
The Cast Behind the Icon
While Evelyn is front and center, the whole vibe of the ad riffs off the actual Chase cast. With names like Shaun Wallace (aka the Dark Destroyer) and the Beast, these pros are serious about their trivia—but Evelyn? She’s here to have fun. She’s not officially part of the main cast or chasers, but in the context of the ad, she plays the unhinged host perfectly. She feels like someone who escaped a failed radio pilot and ran onto set.
Oh, and if you’re wondering: yes, she’s in other episodes, and she’s even got a few sketch roles floating around YouTube. Click a few links and you’ll find her stuff—it’s decent.
But Is the Ad Good or… Just Stupid?
Honestly, a lot of people think it’s kind of stupid. Like, really stupid. But in a way that works. It’s got comedy value, and in advertising, “memorable” beats “clever” 9 times out of 10. And whether you agree or not, you probably remember her better than half the ads you’ve seen this month.
And look—plenty of customers still hate it. They say it’s “loud,” “too much,” “just wrong.” But you know what? It’s become a successful brand move. Gala Bingo may have scaled back, but this weird lady shouting nonsense is what we remember.
The ad uses repetition as a tool. Same word. Same button. Different answer. It’s a masterclass in silly, annoying, brilliant marketing. Some would even call it intelligent—though that might be pushing it.
Final Thoughts: Bingo or Bust?
This is one of those things where you either hate it or you yell “Bingo!” with your mates every time it comes on. Either way, Laura Stevely is now that girl from the bingo advert, and honestly? She nailed it.
The campaign may look simple, but it’s layered with strategy. From meta humour to mock game show tropes, it’s got it all. And even if it’s not high-brow, it’s definitely high-volume.
So next time you watch The Chase, and that ad drops again? Just smile. Maybe even reply with “Bingo!” You’ll feel better for it.