A twist no one expected has shaken daytime TV: ITV has finally unveiled who would take over The Chase if Bradley Walsh ever steps away — and the revelation has left fans devastated, with many insisting they “never wanted this day to come.”
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For years, Bradley has been the soul of the iconic quiz show, hosting nearly 1,000 episodes across The Chase and Beat the Chasers since 2009. He’s been the heart of the banter, the emotional anchor, and the steady hand guiding contestants through high-pressure moments. But after 16 years under studio lights and a demanding filming schedule, fans have begun to wonder: Is the job finally wearing him down?
A Reddit Post That Sparked Panic
The rumours erupted again after a viral Reddit discussion, with one user confessing:
“Brad is brilliant — but he looks bored. Anyone would after this long. He seems flat, disconnected… like he’s just pushing through the format.”
Others jumped to defend him, arguing his comedic flair and chemistry with the Chasers remain unmatched, even if his energy fluctuates.
“He can still be hysterical when he switches it on — remember that Trump impression? — but sometimes it feels like he’s just counting down the minutes.”
The Unlikely Name at the Top of ITV’s Shortlist
Among the chatter, one name rose to the surface: Richard Osman, bestselling author and former Pointless star.
But the reaction online was immediate — and mostly resistant.
A viewer joked:
“Richard Osman doing The Chase? Funny idea… but would it actually work?”
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Another fan dismissed the idea entirely:
“Love him, but The Chase IS Bradley. Take him away and the whole thing falls apart.”
Some admitted they’d tune in “just out of curiosity,” but the overwhelming sentiment remained clear: The magic isn’t in the format — it’s in Bradley.
ITV’s Official Announcement Leaves Bradley Fighting Back Emotion
Following mounting speculation, ITV finally broke its silence, confirming they do have a successor ready should Bradley ever exit — a moment that reportedly left the beloved host “speechless,” struggling to hold back emotion as colleagues privately admitted they never truly wanted to let him go.
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Online, the reaction exploded.
Fans flooded ITV with messages demanding Bradley stay, with many saying they would “stop watching completely” if he left.
Bradley’s Own Answer Was Perfectly Clear
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bradley delivered a message that melted fans’ hearts:
“Until viewers switch off, I’ll keep going. It’s the best job in the world.”
Some supporters responded with gratitude and fierce loyalty:
“There’s no replacement for Brad. Not now, not ever.”
The Verdict?
Despite rumours, debates, and ITV’s future-proofing, one truth remains unchanged:
Bradley Walsh is the beating heart of The Chase.
And audiences are nowhere near ready to imagine anyone else sitting in that chair.
