ITV The Chase star Bradley Walsh opens up on being 'sacked' from role
Treasured TV presenter Bradley Walsh marked his 65th birthday this week, but despite hints at "slowing down", his busy schedule shows no signs of letting up.
Walsh is a staple on British television, hosting popular shows such as 'The Chase', 'Gladiators', and 'Blankety Blank', as well as travelling the country with his son Barney in 'Breaking Dad'.
However, before becoming a household name, Walsh began his career as a Rolls Royce apprentice jet engineer and even had a brief stint as a footballer with Brentford FC, until an injury cut his playing days short.
Walsh's foray into show business began as a Pontins bluecoat entertainer, giving him his first taste of life on stage. However, his natural prankster tendencies, which often landed him in hot water at school and in previous jobs, ultimately led to him being sacked from this role.
In an interview with Comedy.co.uk earlier this year, Walsh recalled: "Once I left that to get into the entertainment industry and become a blue coat, I got sacked from being the bloke that was messing around. I thought that was the job! In the end I thought to myself, why don't I just get paid for messing around?". Post-Pontins, Walsh carved a career in stand-up comedy and remarked: "That was a very conscious decision. So, I've got myself a routine together," discussing his approach to humour.
Reflecting on his style, he commented, "I was a very physical comic, bit like Norman Wisdom, not so many jokes. I was a very physical comic. And that's where it all started.", reports the Mirror.
Celebrated across Britain, Bradley Walsh has been a staple on TV screens for over two decades, mastering roles in comedy, acting, and presenting. His notable roles include Danny Baldwin on the renowned ITV soap 'Coronation Street', DS Ronnie Brooks in 'Law and Order: UK' and as Graham O'Brien in the beloved sci-fi series 'Doctor Who' broadcast on BBC One, according to Gloucestershire Live.
In 2009, Bradley transitioned to game show hosting by taking over as the host of ITV's hit quiz show 'The Chase'. He narrated how he landed the gig while popping into ITV to enquire about hosting opportunities.
During a nostalgic chat with the ex-head of daytime television, she revealed plans for a new quiz show, to which Bradley promptly gave his critique. Recalling their conversation, Walsh shared, "I took it away and I said 'Yes, this can work, this will work' and she said, 'Okay, well we're going to make a pilot' and I said, 'I'll do it for you' and she said, 'Yeah, but it's only an office run-through' and I said, 'I'll do it for you, don't worry'."
In an interview on the Tommy Tiernan show last year, Bradley Walsh recalled helping launch the pilot and coming up with nicknames for The Chasers. Nearly 16 years on, Bradley's passion for The Chase remains strong, with no plans to leave the show.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he reflected on his time on the programme: "Until people say they've had enough and start switching off, I'll do it. We've had such an extraordinary time together. It's the best job in the world."
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