Bradley Walsh opens up on being 'sacked' from role as he talks The Chase future
The Chase presenter Bradley Walsh has been on our television screens for over two decades, but before he made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, he had a very different career
Bradley Walsh, the much-loved British television presenter who celebrated his 65th birthday this week, has previously hinted at "slowing down", but with his jam-packed diary, it's evident that day is nowhere in sight.
A familiar face on UK telly, he graces our screens with a variety of fan favourites such as ' The Chase ', 'Gladiators', 'Blankety Blank', and hits the road in 'Breaking Dad' with his son Barney Walsh.
But before becoming a television mainstay, Walsh kicked off his career joining Rolls Royce as an apprentice jet engineer and then briefly glimmered on the football pitch after being scouted by Brentford FC, until an unfortunate injury curtailed his play.
Starting in showbiz as a Pontins bluecoat entertainer gave Bradley his first taste of the stage life. Despite his natural fun-loving tendencies which often got him into trouble during school and previous occupations, his spirited antics eventually led to him losing this job.
Speaking to Comedy.co.uk earlier this year, Walsh reminisced: "Once I left that to get into the entertainment industry and become a blue coat, I got sacked from being the bloke that was messing around. I thought that was the job! In the end I thought to myself, why don't I just get paid for messing around?".
Post-Pontins, Walsh pursued a path in comedy stating, "That was a very conscious decision. So, I've got myself a routine together,". Describing his comedic style, he said, "I was a very physical comic, bit like Norman Wisdom, not so many jokes. I was a very physical comic. And that's where it all started."
Bradley Walsh has been gracing our televisions for more than 20 years as a comedian, actor, and presenter. His impressive acting portfolio includes stints as Danny Baldwin on ITV's ' Coronation Street ', DS Ronnie Brooks in 'Law and Order: UK' and taking on the role of Graham O'Brien in ' Doctor Who ' aired on BBC One, reports Gloucestershire Live.
In 2009, Bradley took the reins as host of ITV's quiz phenomenon 'The Chase', marking a strategic shift in his professional path. Walsh detailed how he snagged the opportunity to host The Chase after popping into ITV studios to enquire about presenting jobs.
While reminiscing during a conversation with the former head of daytime TV, she mentioned an upcoming quiz show concept, prompting Bradley's feedback. Recounting their discussion, Bradley shared: "I took it away and I said 'Yes, this can work, this will work' and she said, 'Okay, well we're going to make a pilot' and I said, 'I'll do it for you' and she said, 'Yeah, but it's only an office run-through' and I said, 'I'll do it for you, don't worry'."
During an appearance on the Tommy Tiernan show last year, he remembered kick-starting the pilot and devising the monikers for The Chasers. Fast forward nearly 16 years, Bradley's enthusiasm for The Chase hasn't waned, and he has no intention of quitting anytime soon.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Guardian
2 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Sue Cleaver reflects on '25 years of laughs' after Coronation Street exit
Eileen Grimshaw had a special send-off during Friday's episode of the soap, where she was seen leaving for Thailand alongside her son Jason Grimshaw, played by Ryan Thomas. Simon Gregson's character Steve McDonald, Tony Maudsley's George Shuttleworth, and Eileen's son Todd, played by Gareth Pierce, all said goodbye to the matriarch before drivers from the local taxi firm honked their horns as she was driven off. In an Instagram post, Cleaver said: 'Well… that's a wrap. 25 years of laughs, tears, costumes, chaos — and one unforgettable journey. A post shared by Sue Cleaver (@officialsuecleaver) 'I'll miss this character like crazy, but what a ride it's been. Thank you for every moment.' Cleaver has played the outspoken and uncomplicated Eileen in the ITV show since 2000. Eileen came to Weatherfield to work at the local taxi firm, Streetcars, to provide for her two tearaway teenage children, Jason and Todd. She soon became friends with her boss Steve and came into conflict with Helen Worth's character Gail Rodwell (also known as Gail Platt). Cleaver took part in I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2022, where she opened up about reconciling with her birth mother, and was eliminated third. She also said her family is 'bizarrely interconnected' to other Coronation Street stars, including Worth who is godmother to one of her half-sisters, while her other half-sister's husband, John Bowe, appeared on the cobbles as Duggie Ferguson. In 2024, she released a book A Work In Progress in which she discusses how she feels she is not past her prime. In recent years she has appeared as a panellist on ITV chat show Loose Women.
Leader Live
4 hours ago
- Leader Live
Sue Cleaver reflects on '25 years of laughs' after Coronation Street exit
Eileen Grimshaw had a special send-off during Friday's episode of the soap, where she was seen leaving for Thailand alongside her son Jason Grimshaw, played by Ryan Thomas. Simon Gregson's character Steve McDonald, Tony Maudsley's George Shuttleworth, and Eileen's son Todd, played by Gareth Pierce, all said goodbye to the matriarch before drivers from the local taxi firm honked their horns as she was driven off. In an Instagram post, Cleaver said: 'Well… that's a wrap. 25 years of laughs, tears, costumes, chaos — and one unforgettable journey. A post shared by Sue Cleaver (@officialsuecleaver) 'I'll miss this character like crazy, but what a ride it's been. Thank you for every moment.' Cleaver has played the outspoken and uncomplicated Eileen in the ITV show since 2000. Eileen came to Weatherfield to work at the local taxi firm, Streetcars, to provide for her two tearaway teenage children, Jason and Todd. She soon became friends with her boss Steve and came into conflict with Helen Worth's character Gail Rodwell (also known as Gail Platt). Cleaver took part in I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2022, where she opened up about reconciling with her birth mother, and was eliminated third. She also said her family is 'bizarrely interconnected' to other Coronation Street stars, including Worth who is godmother to one of her half-sisters, while her other half-sister's husband, John Bowe, appeared on the cobbles as Duggie Ferguson. In 2024, she released a book A Work In Progress in which she discusses how she feels she is not past her prime. In recent years she has appeared as a panellist on ITV chat show Loose Women.
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I took my family to the new Nickelodeon Land in Turkey with rides and character meets – here's how to get free entry
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHO lives in a pineapple under the sea? Not SpongeBob SquarePants any more. The yellow cartoon character has a new home on Turkey's southern coast at the impressive Land Of Legends theme park. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The fab new Nickelodeon Land in Turkey 5 Have endless fun at Antalya's Nickelodeon Hotel Credit: Supplied 5 Unwind in style at the Rixos Premium Belek Credit: Supplied He's brought along all his pals to its new Nickelodeon Land — and I was one of the first there to check them out. The themed area neighbours Adventure Land and the exotic Aqua Land in the vast entertainment complex in Antalya. Nickelodeon Land consists of three areas — the underwater Bikini Bottom from SpongeBob SquarePants; intergalactic Star Trek: Wild Galaxy, based on Star Trek: Prodigy; and the open-air Adventure Bay from PAW Patrol. And just steps away is a plush new Nickelodeon hotel, featuring 238 themed bedrooms and its own waterpark-like outdoor pool where you can get 'slimed' for real, Nickelodeon style. Sounds totally retro, right? There's a definite nod to the nostalgia of 90s Nickelodeon. Think Rugrats and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as little ones' modern favourites, such as Chase from Paw Patrol, Dora The Explorer and Nickelodeon's cartoon reboot of Star Trek. I got stuck into the action at Bikini Bottom, my favourite area, which transports visitors to a neon, SpongeBob-themed underwater landscape. The standout attraction is the Fiery Fist O'Fun, a reference to a classic SpongeBob episode. The ride is like a ferris wheel on steroids, fast-paced enough to make your stomach drop — in the best way. But if that is not your style, take a spin on the Jellyfish Jam swings. New Nickelodeon land to open in Brit-loved holiday hotspot next year - with Paw Patrol rides and Spongebob attractions Or you can pootle around the land in overhead blimps, dubbed Sandy's Rockets. Plankton's Plunge is another must for thrill-seekers. As the name suggests, it drops you from a squeamishly scary height. Then there's the Crazy Carnival Ride, where you can battle against your family in a virtual shoot-out. Aside from the rides, my highlight had to be meeting the chipper yellow sponge himself. At various points in the day, each of the characters pop up for meet-and-greet sessions, so you can snap a picture with Squidward or pose with Patrick. Giant pineapple Meanwhile, Chase and the gang from Paw Patrol can be found hanging out at Adventure Bay, where rides are aimed at the littlest of adventurers. It's not just about the kids, though. There's plenty of spaces that even Mum and Dad will enjoy. The Snick Lounge, a games room and sports bar, hosts live music where you can bop away while enjoying a tasty cocktail. For a proper place to unwind, head to the luscious Anjana Spa which is worlds away from the neon orange and splat motifs that adorn the rest of the hotel floors above. Although, you may spot SpongeBob in subtle murals dotted around the space, donning his very own robe and head towel, or striking a yoga pose. There are even more character nods across the main Nickelodeon Hotel, where the rooms are as comfortable as they are vibrant. 5 Wild Galaxy is out of this world 5 Emily Downes meets SpongeBob at the new theme park Each floor is themed around a character — think jungle motifs for Dora The Explorer and industrial pipes for the adventures of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. If all the Nickelodeon colours get too much, though, hotel guests can enjoy free transfers to Rixos Premium Belek, a sister hotel down the road that has its own private beach as well as pools, restaurants and bars. Likewise, any guests staying at a Rixos property in Antalya can enjoy free and unlimited access to The Land Of Legends, including the new Nickelodeon Land, during their stay. I was staying in a SpongeBob suite where a giant pineapple housed all the drinks and snacks I could dream of. After a tiring day on the roller-coasters, I would sink into the plush bedding and unwind with the TV (which, of course, has access to all your favourite Nick shows). Even SpongeBob would be impressed with this place.
