In a surprising move that has left fans and crew members reeling, ITV chiefs have decided to halt production of The Chase for at least a year. The decision comes amid significant cost-cutting measures at the network, allowing Bradley Walsh to clear his schedule and make way for a possible new role on Strictly Come Dancing.
The beloved quiz show, which has been a staple of ITV’s daytime lineup since 2009, will not be filming new episodes for the foreseeable future. Instead, the channel plans to air repeats of The Chase, keeping the show’s loyal fanbase entertained without incurring new production costs.
Bradley Walsh’s Strictly Opportunity
The timing of this decision is intriguing, especially considering Bradley Walsh, 65, has been heavily tipped to take over the coveted presenting role on Strictly Come Dancing. His newfound availability for the BBC’s flagship dance competition is no coincidence, with ITV keen to free up the TV personality for other projects.
A source revealed, “Bradley has a clear schedule now, and with The Chase on hold, he’s more likely than ever to land the Strictly job.” His potential move to Strictly comes after months of speculation, including a social media post in which Bradley was spotted visiting the Strictly set, sending fans into a frenzy of excitement.
The Chasers Hit Hard Financially
While Bradley Walsh’s career moves remain a hot topic, the decision to pause The Chase is causing financial strain for the show’s roster of Chasers, including Mark “The Beast” Labbett, Anne “The Governess” Hegerty, and Paul “The Sinnerman” Sinha. These stars are paid per show, and without new episodes, they’ll be out of pocket.
Mark, Anne, and their fellow Chasers have built successful careers thanks to their appearances on The Chase, with Anne Hegerty reportedly boasting a personal fortune of £3.2million. But, as Anne pointed out, fewer episodes mean fewer paychecks, and that’s a blow to the team’s earnings. “We’re paid per show, so we’re not on a salary,” she explained last year.
Despite this, The Chase remains one of ITV’s most popular daytime programmes, attracting over 2.5 million viewers per episode. As a result, the network is betting that the show’s massive catalogue of episodes will be enough to keep fans engaged in the absence of new content.
Why ITV Made the Decision
The decision to pause production is part of ITV’s broader cost-cutting strategy, which has impacted not just The Chase but also daytime soaps such as Emmerdale and Coronation Street. However, ITV has reported a strong pre-tax profit of £534 million, so the move comes despite the network’s financial success.
Media finance expert Dan Coatsworth explains: “The Chase is one of ITV’s biggest daytime programmes and a consistent winner for the broadcaster. With over 17 years of content, ITV feels confident they can keep airing repeats without incurring new production costs.”
Advertisers, too, are expected to continue supporting The Chase, with its huge viewer numbers making it a prime place to promote products and services. As Coatsworth notes, “It’s a smart move. Many viewers won’t even notice the repeats. It’s still a great platform for advertisers.”
The Show’s Popularity and Future
The Chase remains a fan favourite, having won countless awards over its 17-year run. Its combination of fast-paced trivia and charismatic Chasers has cemented its place in British television history.
But while repeats will keep The Chase on the air, its crew members, including the Chasers and staff behind the scenes, are understandably frustrated. One insider revealed that many on set were “miffed and upset” by the news. “It’s a deeply unsettling time for everyone involved,” they added, citing the uncertainty surrounding the show’s future.
While the current series has finished filming, there are no plans to resume production until at least April 2027, leaving both the Chasers and the fans in limbo.
New Spin-offs and Future of The Chase
Despite the hiatus on new episodes, ITV has confirmed that other Chase-related content is still in the works. A new series of Beat the Chasers is set to air in 2026, alongside an exciting spin-off, The Chase Around the World, which will add a fresh twist to the classic format.
But even with these new projects, there’s no denying that The Chase itself is being sidelined for now. ITV’s cost-saving measures are understandable in the current economic climate, but it remains to be seen how long the show’s hiatus will last.
For now, fans of the show will have to make do with the existing episodes, and hope that the Chasers, including the much-loved Bradley Walsh, return to the hot seat sooner rather than later.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
