Bradley Walsh, the beloved host of ITV's hit quiz show The Chase, has been defended by a long-time friend and colleague against claims that his on-screen laughter is not genuine. Comedian Joe Pasquale, who has worked with Walsh for over four decades, has given an exclusive insight into the presenter's true nature when the cameras stop rolling.
The Truth Behind The 'Corpsing' Accusations
Walsh, 64, who has fronted The Chase since its 2009 launch, is famous for his infectious, often hysterical reactions to contestant answers and quirky questions. One infamous moment saw him unable to contain his laughter over a question about German skier Fanny Chmelar, leading some viewers to speculate he was 'corpsing' – or faking his amusement – deliberately.
However, Walsh has consistently set the record straight. "I don't pre-read them, I do it as it is, I literally play the game," he explained in a past interview. "If I get a reaction, then it's much better." He elaborated on Laura Hamilton's Mile Fly Club podcast, stating he often reads directly from the autocue without realising the comedic potential of what he's just said.
Regarding the Chmelar incident, Walsh insisted: "And people, still today, think I'm corpsing deliberately but I'm not, that's actually me laughing, I had no idea that was [coming] up."
What You See Is What You Get
Now, Joe Pasquale has robustly backed his friend's character. Speaking about Walsh's personality, Pasquale revealed, "Bradley is what you see, he does what he says on the tin, what you see is what you get with Brad."
The pair's friendship spans 40 years, having started out alongside fellow comedians Brian Conley and Shane Richie, a group later dubbed 'The Prat Pack'. Pasquale emphasised that the man audiences see on their screens every weekday is the same person off it.
The Secret 'Maverick' Stunt on Beat The Chasers
Pasquale recently proved just how well he knows Walsh by successfully tricking him during a special episode of Beat The Chasers. The comedian was brought on as a mystery quizmaster, adopting the alias 'Maverick', with producers giving him strict instructions to keep his identity a secret from everyone, especially Walsh.
"I'd been on the road with Bradley all year," Pasquale explained. "He knows me inside out, he knows my body movements." To avoid detection, he had to radically alter his usual energetic demeanour. "I had to be really calm because I talk really fast and I'm very physical," he said. "The producer said, 'Don't move, just keep really still and talk very slowly so he doesn't suss it's you.' So it was quite hard for me."
The elaborate deception paid off, leaving Walsh "genuinely surprised" when Pasquale finally revealed himself. When asked if the host was angry about the trick, Pasquale quipped, "He's never furious with me, he's like my big brother."
The Chase continues to be a ratings juggernaut for ITV, with a Celebrity Christmas Special airing at 5.35pm. Meanwhile, Joe Pasquale is currently starring in Aladdin at the Swansea Grand Theatre until 4 January 2026.
