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

| TV Editor Published July 27, 2026 3:33pm Updated July 27, 2026 3:43pm ‘I just don’t have the time, which is sad,’ he revealed (Picture: Kieron McCarron/Rex/Shutterstock) 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. Bradley Walsh has been on Blankety Blank since he hosted the Christmas special in 2020 (Picture: BBC/Thames/Matt Frost) ‘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. The iconic 90s TV series Gladiators returned in 2024 (Picture: BBC/James Stack/© Hungry Bear Media Ltd) 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. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin 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. Arrow MORE: ‘Gripping’ Ruth Wilson BBC thriller about corpse hidden in house soars up Netflix top 10 Arrow MORE: Chris Packham leads tributes after BBC wildlife presenter Bill Oddie’s death aged 85 Arrow MORE: Irish broadcaster and BBC Radio host Gerry Kelly dies aged 77 TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.