Bradley Walsh announces he’s quit major BBC series after 6 years as host

Bradley Walsh has made the shock announcement that he won’t be returning to host his BBC series when it returns this year.

Blankety Blank is one of Britain’s longest-running gameshows, having first launched in 1979 on BBC1 with the late Terry Wogan as the show’s presenter.

Les Dawson took over the hosting duties from 1984 until 1990, followed by Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage, and then David Walliams for the 2016 Christmas Special.

Four years later, The Chase star Bradley hosted the festive episode, which resulted in the show being officially revived by the BBC in 2021.

However, the 66-year-old has now confirmed that he no longer has time for Blankety Blank in his busy schedule.

‘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,’ he told Radio Times.

‘Blankety Blank has been brilliant. It really makes me laugh. It’s the most fun you can have in the studio, and I just cannot at the moment work on it.

‘I just have not got the time. I would normally go to studio October, but I’m all taken up in October and November, so I just haven’t time to do it. Maybe next year.’

Bradley is one of the busiest men in showbusiness, working with his son Barney on programmes including Gladiators and Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad.

He also fronts The Chase – a role he’s held since 2009 – as well as the spin-off series Beat The Chasers.

Bradley was speaking to the publication while promoting The Chase Around The World, another spin-off of the popular quiz series.

This new iteration will see teams tasked with solving clues that can help them track him and the Chasers down, in the hope of winning the £100,000 prize.