Bradley Walsh has announced his departure as host of the BBC game show reboot, Blankety Blank, after six years. Walsh stated that he no longer has the time to commit to the show's filming requirements, which he explained take up approximately two months.
Walsh, also known for hosting The Chase, began presenting the revival of Blankety Blank in 2020. In an interview with The Radio Times, he expressed his regret, stating, "I just don't have the time, which is sad because I've loved Blankety Blank. It's been one of my favourite shows, and it's been brilliant... It's the most fun you can have in the studio, and I just cannot at the moment work on it." He indicated that his schedule is fully committed through October and November, the period when filming typically occurs.
Upcoming Engagements Lead to Departure
Walsh's decision to leave Blankety Blank is attributed to a packed schedule that includes a forthcoming tour with "The Prat Pack," featuring Brian Conley, Joe Pasquale, and Shane Richie. This 17-date UK tour is set to begin on September 2 in Edinburgh and conclude on September 26 at the London Palladium. Additionally, Walsh is involved in several other television projects.
Walsh was previously considered a potential successor to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as the host of Strictly Come Dancing, but his touring commitments reportedly ruled him out of consideration. He also co-hosts the BBC Saturday night program Gladiators with his son Barney, and has recently wrapped filming on a new series scheduled to air in 2027.
Meanwhile, Walsh's other major show, The Chase, has reportedly seen its filming schedule impacted by ITV's resource cuts. The production for The Chase, which usually records in three annual stints, concluded its latest series in April, with no further plans for recording until next year. Sources suggest this halt has caused concern among crew members regarding future employment and financial stability during an uncertain period in television production.
An ITV spokesperson confirmed that The Chase has completed recording for its 19th series, fulfilling this year's schedule. The network stated that The Chase continues to air as usual, with a mix of new and repeat episodes, and remains a popular quiz show with an average viewership of over 2.5 million per episode.