Bradley Walsh has confirmed that he will not be returning to present Blankety Blank when the BBC gameshow films its fourth series later this year.
The 66-year-old, who has fronted the programme since its 2020 revival, has explained that the decision wasn’t one he took lightly.
“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 said.
Mr Walsh did not, however, close the door on a future comeback. He pointed out that his October and November commitments made this year’s filming impossible, but added: “Maybe next year.”
The BBC declined to comment when approached by Radio Times about Walsh’s departure.His diary is jam-packed in the coming months as he is currently wrapping up work on Gladiators, which he co-presents alongside his son Barney, before taking just a single week’s break.
From there, he heads straight into rehearsals for The Prat Pack, a live touring show featuring Brian Conley, Shane Richie, and Joe Pasquale.
The tour spans 17 dates across the UK, running from September 2 in Edinburgh through to September 26 at the London Palladium.
Once that month-long run concludes, Mr Walsh would move directly into Blankety Blank studio recordings but this time around, he is committed to as-yet-unannounced drama projects.
“We’re working on a couple of dramas and scripting, and I actually physically do not have the time,” he told Radio Times.
Mr Walsh made clear that his decision wasn’t to do with any ill feeling towards the show. “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,” he told the magazine.
The presenter explained that studio recordings would typically take place in October, but that month and November are now entirely accounted for by other commitments.
Mr Walsh rose to prominence as a stand-up comedian before building a career spanning acting and television presenting.
His screen credits include roles in Coronation Street, Doctor Who, and Law & Order: UK, while his presenting portfolio extends well beyond The Chase to programmes such as Wheel of Fortune, Cash Trapped, and Keep It in the Family.
Blankety Blank first appeared on BBC screens in 1979 with Terry Wogan as its original presenter, running until 1990 with Les Dawson taking over hosting duties from 1984.
The format was revived in 1997 with the late Paul O’Grady fronting the show in character as his drag persona Lily Savage, a run that lasted until 2002.
David Walliams presented a one-off Christmas special in 2016 before Mr Walsh took charge of the festive edition in 2020, leading to a full series revival the following year.
Beyond Blankety Blank, Mr Walsh remains one of British television’s most prolific figures. He continues to front The Chase, a role he has held since 2009, as well as its new international spin-off The Chase Around the World.
