Is The Chase Being Halted? The Truth Behind Bradley Walsh’s Potential Move to Strictly
Rumors are swirling that one of ITV’s most beloved quiz shows, The Chase, has come to a grinding halt. The speculation has sparked widespread concern among fans and crew alike, fueled by reports that host Bradley Walsh is a frontrunner to take over the presenting duties for Strictly Come Dancing. But is the show actually ending, or is this simply a scheduling misunderstanding?
The Rumors: Production ‘Halted’ for a Year
Recent reports suggest that filming for The Chase has been paused for at least a year following the conclusion of series 19. According to The Mirror, the program’s roster of Chasers—including Mark “The Beast” Labbett and Anne “The Governess” Hegerty—were allegedly informed that the network would rely on repeats rather than producing recent episodes.
This news has reportedly caused distress behind the scenes. A source cited by The Sun described the situation as a “shock” and “very disappointing,” noting that crew members feel uncertain about their futures during a volatile period for the television industry. For a show that has survived 17 years and remains a ratings powerhouse, the prospect of a year-long hiatus is a significant shift.
ITV Sets the Record Straight
Despite the headlines, ITV has moved to downplay the claims of a permanent or alarming shutdown. A spokesperson for the organization clarified that the show hasn’t been “halted” in the way reports suggest, but has simply reached a natural break in its production cycle.
According to ITV, The Chase has just finished recording series 19, which completes the recording schedule for the current year. The network emphasized that the show continues to air as usual, utilizing a mix of new and repeat episodes to maintain its audience of over 2.5 million viewers per show.
The ‘Strictly’ Factor: Bradley Walsh’s Dilemma
The catalyst for much of this speculation is Bradley Walsh’s name being heavily linked to the vacant hosting role on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. At 65, Walsh is considered a fan favorite and reports indicate he is currently a frontrunner for the gig. The theory is that the production “pause” at ITV was designed to free up Walsh’s schedule to accommodate the demanding filming requirements of the dance competition.
What’s Next for The Chase Franchise?
While the main series may have finished its current recording block, the franchise is actually expanding. ITV has confirmed that the brand is far from dead, with several new projects in the pipeline for 2026:
- Beat the Chasers: A new series is confirmed for 2026.
- The Chase Around the World: A brand new spin-off series is coming soon.
- Production Status: Series 19 has finished recording, completing the schedule for this year.
- The Controversy: Reports suggest a year-long gap in new episodes, causing crew anxiety.
- The Strictly Link: Bradley Walsh is a top candidate to host Strictly Come Dancing.
- Future Content: Beat the Chasers 2026 and The Chase Around the World are officially in development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Chase cancelled?
No. ITV has stated that the show remains one of the nation’s most loved quiz shows and continues to air regularly.
Why are people saying it’s on hold?
Reports surfaced that new episodes won’t be filmed for a year, coinciding with Bradley Walsh being linked to a high-profile hosting role on Strictly Come Dancing.
Will there be new episodes in 2026?
While the main series’ schedule for this year is complete, ITV has confirmed new content for 2026, including Beat the Chasers and a new global spin-off.
Whether Bradley Walsh eventually makes the jump to the BBC or remains the face of ITV’s flagship quiz, the franchise appears to be pivoting toward new formats rather than disappearing from the screen.