BRADLEY WALSH STEPS DOWN FROM BLANKETY BLANK

Bradley Walsh has confirmed that he will not return to host Blankety Blank this year due to scheduling conflicts. Speaking to Radio Times, Walsh stated that he lacks the time to film the show, which he has hosted since its 2020 revival. He explained that rehearsals for his touring production The Prat Pack begin a week after he finishes filming Gladiators, followed by a month-long tour that occupies October and November. Walsh indicated the decision may not be permanent, saying "maybe next year" he could return.

Walsh currently presents multiple television commitments alongside the live tour. Gladiators, the BBC physical competition programme he co-presents with his son Barney Walsh, will air its fourth season next year. The Prat Pack, a touring show featuring Walsh alongside comedians Brian Conley and Joe Pasquale and EastEnders actor Shane Richie, begins rehearsals in September and runs for a month. Walsh also continues to host The Chase on ITV, which he has presented since 2009, and appeared in the spin-off series The Chase Around the World earlier this month.

Walsh has hosted Blankety Blank through five series since the BBC revival launched in 2020, with the most recent series airing in April 2026. The comedy game show, which originally aired from 1979 and was hosted by Terry Wogan and later Les Dawson, requires studio filming in October and November. Walsh indicated that undisclosed future commitments also contribute to his inability to continue with the programme at present.