Bradley Walsh is reportedly the front-runner to become the new host of Strictly Come Dancing, with TV insiders buzzing over his potential move. But a major dilemma looms as The Chase filming is suspended for at least a year, leaving Bradley at a crossroads.
The 65-year-old TV icon, who has hosted The Chase since 2009, is said to be a favourite of producers to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down last year. However, the decision is far from straightforward, as Bradley is also the face of another hugely popular Saturday night show – Gladiators.
Bradley, alongside his son Barney, 28, revived the iconic Gladiators series in 2024, and it quickly became a ratings smash. With three successful seasons under their belt, including celebrity editions and a CBBC spin-off, Bradley’s role in the show has helped launch Barney’s career, cementing his place in the spotlight.
If Bradley accepts the Strictly role, he may have to step away from Gladiators – a decision that could impact his son’s career. Barney, who began his acting career with roles in Law & Order: UK and Doctors, now enjoys the prime-time Gladiators hosting gig alongside his father.
Bradley Walsh has become a frontrunner for the new host of Strictly .But TV insiders think the presenter could be faced with a huge dilemma as he presents Gladiators with his son Barney
A source close to Bradley revealed: “Bradley is ambitious and hardworking – hosting Strictly is a dream job he’s always wanted. But family is his number one priority. He’s incredibly close to Barney and has supported him every step of the way. Barney is thriving in his biggest role yet, but the BBC is unlikely to allow Bradley to host two major Saturday night shows. It’s a tough choice: Does Bradley stay with Gladiators and secure his son’s future, or does he take the opportunity of a lifetime and risk everything?”
Bradley, 65, who has presented the show since 2009, is said to be one of producers’ favourites to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped back from the show last year
Despite The Chase taking a break from filming, Bradley’s schedule remains packed. He also hosts Blankety Blank and Egypt’s Cosmic Code for Sky History, and continues his heavy workload with The Chase, which requires him to film three episodes a day for 50 days a year.
Bradley’s versatility as a host has earned him massive fan support, and now, the race for the Strictly hosting role is heating up. Along with Bradley, Rylan Clark and Johannes Radebe are reportedly also in the running. Producers are keen to bring back a male host to follow in the footsteps of Bruce Forsyth, with the plan to pair them with a female co-host.
Sources claim Strictly producers are planning to test their preferred candidates soon, with Emma Willis and Zoe Ball also in the mix. Emma recently took over Zoe’s BBC Radio 2 slot, and Zoe has expressed her desire to return to the Strictly stage after stepping down from hosting It Takes Two in 2021.
As Bradley faces a career-defining decision, fans will be eagerly awaiting news on who will be leading the dance floor when Strictly Come Dancing returns later this year.
