ITV is set to pause new episodes of The Chase for at least 12 months, freeing Bradley Walsh amid Strictly hosting speculation and leaving Chasers and crew “out of pocket”
Beloved host Bradley Walsh could be free to take on a role on Strictly Come Dancing as ITV bosses are set to stop making new episodes of The Chase at least 12 months. This comes after months of speculation that he is in the frame for the BBC presenting job.
However, the move is also set to slow the earnings of the show’s Chasers, including Mark “The Beast” Labbett and Anne “The Governess” Hegerty, who are paid per episode.
As a result, a source reportedly said the decision was relayed to staff a few weeks ago and left people on set “miffed and upset”.
According to the Sun, the source said:“Everyone found out a few weeks ago and people on set were very miffed and upset as they’ll be out of pocket. It’s been quite a shock and very disappointing.
“Many crew members feel worried and scared for the future during an uncertain time in TV. It’s a deeply unsettling time financially for everyone involved in The Chase.
“Surely loyal viewers will notice too, if they’re being fed repeat episodes. It’s a shame as the show has survived for 17 years and remains one of the most popular quiz shows on telly.
“It’s won countless awards and is much loved among the British public.” Meanwhile, an ITV spokesperson reportedly said: “The Chase has just finished recording series 19, which completes its recording schedule for this year.
“ITV will continue to air The Chase as usual, with a combination of new and repeat episodes across the year. With more than 2.5million viewers per show, The Chase remains one of the nation’s most loved quiz shows.
“There is also new Beat the Chasers for 2026 and a brand new spin off series, The Chase Around the World, coming soon.” Now in its 17th year, the show typically produces around 120 episodes a year.
Hegerty, who boasts an estimated fortune of £3.2million, revealed last year that she hoped bosses would keep the current pool of six chasers so it would not affect their income, according to the Sun. She said: “We are paid per show, so we’re not on a salary.
“It’s not as if they’re going to up the budget and add a new salary. A new Chaser would just mean the same number of shows shared between more people, so less money for everyone.
“So, hope not.” She added: “I like my money sitting in my bank and representing a bit of security.
“I don’t see the point in sloshing money around. I’m not frugal, I’d actually say I’m mean.”
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