ITV respond to rumours The Chase has been 'put on ice'
Bradley Walsh is heavily rumoured for the Strictly job
Since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they would not be returning to host Strictly Come Dancing, speculation has been swirling over their replacements, with Bradley Walsh emerging as a leading contender.
Although Bradley has previously dismissed the claims, reports were rife over the weekend that ITV/STV bosses have made the decision to not record any new episodes of popular quiz series The Chase, in turn freeing up Bradley for the job later in the year.
A source told a national newspaper: “Everyone found out a few weeks ago and people on set were very miffed and upset as they’ll be out of pocket.
“It’s been quite a shock and very disappointing.
“Many crew members feel worried and scared for the future during an uncertain time in TV."
The source added: “It’s a deeply unsettling time financially for everyone involved in The Chase. Surely loyal viewers will notice too, if they’re being fed repeat episodes. It’s a shame as the show has survived for 17 years and remains one of the most popular quiz shows on telly. It’s won countless awards and is much loved.”
Despite this, ITV/STV has seemingly shut down the claims that the show is being 'put on ice', with a spokesperson telling The Mirror: "The Chase has just finished recording series 19, which completes its recording schedule for this year.
"ITV continue to air The Chase as usual, with a combination of new and repeat episodes across the year. With over 2.5 million viewers per show, The Chase remains one of the nation's most loved quiz shows."
They went on to add: "There is also a new Beat the Chasers for 2026 and a brand new spin-off series: The Chase Around the World coming soon."
First broadcasting back in 2009, The Chase has become one of the most popular quiz shows on the box, with 18 main series to date, as well as a number of spin-off shows. Hosted by Bradley Walsh and featuring 'Chasers' such as Mark Labbett, Shaun Wallance, Anne Hegerty, Paul Sinha, Jenny Ryan and Darragh Ennis, the show sees four contestants attempting to beat The Chaser.
Although Bradley has been highly rumoured to land the Strictly job, he did attempt to hush rumours earlier this year, telling Radio Times that it would 'ruin his weekend'.
He told the publication: "Here’s a potted version of my winter weekends. I come home from the studio on a Friday, have dinner and watch I’m a Celebrity. On Saturday, I’ll watch the football results, have dinner and a pint, watch Strictly, then I’m a Celebrity, and flip back to the BBC for Match of the Day.
"On Sunday, I get up late, watch some Columbo, then the football, followed by the Strictly results, then I’m a Celebrity, and then Match of the Day. If I was to host Strictly, it would absolutely ruin my weekend."
Check out all of the other famous faces rumoured for the Strictly hosting job:
Fleur East
As a former Strictly finalist and current co-host of spin-off show It Takes Two, moving to the main show would be the perfect step-up for Hits Radio presenter Fleur East! That is what Claudia did after all...
Janette Manrara
Alongside Fleur, we think her It Takes Two co-host Janette Manrara would be the perfect pairing!
Rylan Clark
Rylan Clark's name has been doing the rounds ever since Tess and Claudia's announcement, with fans of the show begging him to take over!
Johannes Radebe
He's been part of the Strictly family since 2018, and now reports are rife that professional dancer Johannes Radebe could move to a presenting role!
Holly Willoughby
TV host Holly Willoughby has a bit of time on her hands now she doesn't present This Morning! Could she revive her presenting career by switching over the BBC for Strictly? According to former BBC One Controller Peter Fincham, he's been informed that it is 'with great confidence that Holly Willoughby will take over'.
Alan Carr
Following his win on The Celebrity Traitors, Alan Carr is now being tipped to host the series, with his odds at 5/1.
Bradley and Barney Walsh
After seeing father-and-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh present on Gladiators, we think the pair would be great on Strictly!
Rosie and Chris Ramsay
Thanks to the success of their podcast (Sh---ed Married Annoyed), and their TV show (The Chris & Rosie Ramsey Show), married couple Rosie and Chris have gained a huge following and would be the perfect pair to host Strictly. Chris even took part in the 17th series of the show back in 2019.
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton
Stacey Dooley first appeared as a contestant on Strictly back in 2018, going on to win the show with professional dancer Kevin Clifton. Their friendship quickly blossomed into more and now they are proud parents to their daughter Minnie, so it would just be the perfect fairytale for the pair to return as hosts.
Alesha Dixon
She's already been a contestant and a judge on the show, so could presenter of Strictly be next on Alesha Dixon's list?! Alesha won the fifth series in 2007 and was a judge between 2009–2012, replacing Arlene Phillips.
Marvin and Rochelle Humes
KISS DJ Marvin Humes and his wife Rochelle have presented Strictly-themed episodes of their show The Hit List, and Rochelle took part in the Christmas special of Strictly back in 2013, so they are certainly no strangers to the show! We think they'd be the perfect replacements for Tess and Claudia.
Hannah Waddington
Actress, singer, theatre star, presenter, there really is no end to Hannah Waddington's talents! After she hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool in 2023, Hannah has proved she can cope with the stress of live TV, making her the perfect candidate!
Matt and Emma Willis
Married couple Matt and Emma Willis are no strangers to presenting together, recently hosting Netflix series Love Is Blind: UK. Although Matt has turned down appearing as a contestant in the past, would he accept the job of presenter for Strictly?!
Alison Hammond
With shows such as Bake Off, This Morning and For The Love Of Dogs under her belt, Alison Hammond certainly has the CV to present Strictly! She appeared on the show as a contestant back in 2014, where she was paired with the lovely Aljaž Škorjanec.
Dermot O'Leary
Dermot O'Leary is no stranger to presenting a hugely-successful Saturday night entertainment show... who can forget those spins on The X Factor back in the day! With the right co-host, we think Derm could be a huge success on the show.
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