Bradley Walsh will not return as host of the rebooted gameshow Blankety Blank this year because of a packed schedule. The TV presenter told Radio Times: “I just don’t have the time.”
Scheduling Conflict
The 66-year-old broadcaster, who has fronted the revived series since 2020, admitted the programme is “one of my favourite shows” but cannot make the filming window. “I would normally go to studio October, but I’m all taken up in October and November, so I just haven’t time to do it. Maybe next year,” he added.
Other Commitments
Walsh currently hosts BBC programmes including The Chase, its international spin-off The Chase Around The World, and Gladiators, the latter alongside his son Barney Walsh. He also has an upcoming tour with comedy group The Prat Pack, featuring Brian Conley, Shane Richie and Joe Pasquale. Walsh explained: “The thing is we’re just doing Gladiators. I get a week off and then I go to rehearsals for the live Prat Pack show.” He also mentioned working on unannounced dramas and scripting.
Show History
Blankety Blank originally aired on the BBC from 1979 to 1990 with Terry Wogan as the first host, later taken over by Les Dawson from 1984 to 1990. The show saw contestants try to match fill-in-the-blank answers. It was rebooted in 1997 with Paul O’Grady as his drag alter ego Lily Savage, running until 2002. Walsh’s latest revival began in 2020. He told Radio Times: “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.” Walsh rose to fame as a stand-up comedian and has acted in shows such as Coronation Street, Doctor Who and Law & Order: UK, as well as presenting other gameshows including Wheel Of Fortune, Odd One In, Cash Trapped, and Keep It In The Family.
