Bradley Walsh and his son Barney have hit back at a common misunderstanding about their television programme, Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad. The father-son duo have filmed six series of the show, which features them exploring different countries and cultures in a motorhome.
The current series, broadcast on ITV1, sees them journeying through Asia, with stops in Bangkok, Thailand, and Tokyo, Japan. Previous series have taken them across South America, Europe and the United States. For each adventure, they travel in a sizeable motorhome; their first series in the US saw them navigating a 36-foot, 7.5-tonne RV.
Addressing the Driving Myth
Many viewers have questioned whether former Coronation Street actor Bradley is actually doing the driving. The presenter addressed this during an appearance on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show after the radio host quipped: "You'd want one."
Bradley responded: "In the States we had unbelievable ones. The Fleetwoods we drove in the States. And I do drive them. People don't think I drive them." Chris retorted: "Of course you drive them, it's obvious. Why don't people think you drive them? You can see it on the telly."
Barney continued: "A lot of people write, 'Bradley's not driving that' or, 'they're being towed', and I'm just thinking, 'can you imagine the logistics of not only going to the country, but getting Winnebago, hiring a tow truck company, getting it, and then removing the tow truck for the wide shots of looking back? It would just be massive.'"
Father-Son Bond on Screen
Breaking Dad has proved a massive success with audiences, with countless viewers applauding the close relationship between Bradley, 64, and his son Barney, 27. The duo opened up about their bond during an appearance on ITV's This Morning.
Bradley explained: "He has always been my son, and you always take care of them. But then all of a sudden he becomes your equal and a work colleague, and a mate, and someone you respect." He added: "Now I look up to him. Barney, bless him, was directing me on some of the things. 'Dad don't worry about this, you need to be thinking about this', and actually producing me."
During his stint on The Tommy Tiernan Show, Bradley described collaborating with his son as "one of the most wonderful things" he'd experienced. He continued: "Spending time with my lad from the age of 18, he's now 26 by the way, was just extraordinary. It was the greatest thing."
Bradley shares Barney with his wife, Donna Derby. He's also the father of daughter Hayley Walsh from an earlier relationship. The Chase Around the World, which sees Bradley and the Chasers escape the studio to challenge contestants in a bid to win £100,000, will be shown on ITV tonight (July 16) at 9pm.
