Bradley Walsh has announced he is stepping down as host of the BBC game show Blankety Blank after six years, citing a packed schedule that leaves no room for the programme. The 66-year-old presenter, who fronted the revived series since 2021, told Radio Times he simply does not have the time to continue.
Walsh's statement on leaving Blankety Blank
“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,” Walsh said. “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.” He added that he would normally go to the studio in October, but is “all taken up in October and November,” leaving no opportunity to film. “Maybe next year,” he said.
Blankety Blank's history and revival
Blankety Blank first launched in 1979 on BBC One with the late Terry Wogan as host. Les Dawson took over from 1984 to 1990, followed by Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage, and then David Walliams for a 2016 Christmas special. Walsh first hosted the festive episode in 2020, leading to the show’s official revival by the BBC in 2021. The programme has been a staple of British television for decades.
Walsh's busy schedule and other projects
Walsh is one of the busiest figures in showbusiness. He works with his son Barney on programmes including Gladiators and Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad. He also fronts The Chase, a role he has held since 2009, as well as the spin-off Beat The Chasers. Walsh was speaking to Radio Times while promoting The Chase Around The World, another spin-off where teams solve clues to track him and the Chasers down for a £100,000 prize.
Impact of Walsh's departure
Walsh’s exit leaves a gap in the hosting lineup for Blankety Blank. The BBC has not yet announced a replacement. The show remains popular, and Walsh expressed hope that he might return in the future: “Maybe next year.”
