Today marks the 65th birthday of Bradley Walsh, a household name synonymous with British television. Despite mentioning the idea of “slowing down” last year, Walsh’s busy schedule shows no signs of easing up anytime soon.
Best known as the charismatic host of popular shows like The Chase, Gladiators, Blankety Blank, and the travel documentary series Breaking Dad alongside his son Barney Walsh, Bradley’s diverse career has spanned comedy, acting, and presenting.
Before venturing into entertainment, Walsh held several unexpected roles. He initially apprenticed as a jet engineer with Rolls Royce and later pursued professional football after being scouted by Brentford FC. Unfortunately, an injury cut his football career short after just two seasons.
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His first foray into the entertainment world came as a bluecoat entertainer at Pontins, a role he approached with a playful spirit. However, Walsh was eventually “sacked” for “messing around,” which ironically became a turning point for him.
In a revealing interview with Comedy.co.uk earlier this year, Bradley recounted, “Once I left that to get into the entertainment industry and become a bluecoat, 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?”
After being let go, he deliberately embraced comedy, honing a physical comedy style reminiscent of Norman Wisdom. “I was a very physical comic, not so many jokes. That’s where it all started,” he said.
Besides his comedic talents, Walsh is acclaimed for his singing and acting. His acting credits include roles such as Danny Baldwin on ITV’s Coronation Street, DS Ronnie Brooks in Law & Order: UK, and Graham O’Brien in Doctor Who.
In 2009, he began hosting The Chase, a role that came about after proactively approaching ITV’s daytime TV head to ask about presenting opportunities. He was invited to audition for a quiz show pilot, which led to the iconic series.
Reflecting on the early days, Walsh shared, “I took it away and I said, ‘Yes, this can work, this will work,’ and she said, ‘Okay, we’re going to make a pilot.’ I said, ‘I’ll do it for you.’”
Nearly 16 years later, Bradley remains passionate about The Chase and has no intention of stepping down. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said, “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.”