Bradley Walsh, the bookies' favourite to take over as host of Strictly Come Dancing, has publicly dismissed the idea, insisting the high-profile weekend job would "ruin" his cherished downtime. The announcement comes after the show's long-standing presenters, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, confirmed their departure from the BBC One dance competition in 2024.
A Weekend Ritual Not to Be Disturbed
In a candid interview with the Radio Times, the 65-year-old television stalwart outlined his non-negotiable weekend schedule, which heavily revolves around watching television. From Friday to Sunday, his routine is packed: coming home from the studio on a Friday for dinner and I'm a Celebrity..., followed by Saturday's football results, a pint, Strictly, more I'm a Celebrity, and Match of the Day.
His Sundays are equally dedicated to relaxation and viewing, often featuring a lie-in before settling in with classic detective series Columbo, more football, and reality TV. Walsh was unequivocal about the impact hosting Strictly would have, stating plainly: "If I was to host Strictly, it would absolutely ruin my weekend."
A Schedule Already Packed with Prime-Time Hits
Walsh's reluctance is understandable given his already formidable workload. He is a prominent figure on Saturday night television as the host of BBC One's revived Gladiators alongside his son, Barney. The hit 1990s series returned in 2023 and is now entering its third series.
Beyond the arena, he films the popular ITV travel series Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad, with the sixth series set to air in May 2025. Of course, he remains the iconic host of ITV's long-running quiz show The Chase, a role he has held since its launch in 2009, including its primetime spin-off Beat The Chasers.
A New Global Adventure for The Chase
Adding to his commitments is a major new project. ITV has announced a brand-new spin-off titled The Chase Around the World, which Walsh will host. Described as perfect for fans of Race Across The World, the show will debut later this year on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.
The innovative format will see six pairs of contestants embark on a global adventure, tracking down all six Chasers in secret locations worldwide. They will solve puzzles and answer questions to find clues, with the last duo to arrive facing the Chasers in a head-to-head battle. The final destination promises a life-changing prize.
Speaking about the new show, Walsh said: "This bold new take on The Chase combines quizzing with travelling and will test contestants' knowledge like never before." Lily Wilson, Managing Director of Bright Entertainment, added that the global evolution was a "testament to the strength of feeling" towards the show and its host.
With such a full slate—from Gladiators and Breaking Dad to his enduring quiz roles and now a global travel competition—it seems Bradley Walsh's weekend viewing habits are safely preserved, leaving the door open for another star to step into the Strictly spotlight.
