Following claims that he “corpses deliberately” on The Chase, a long-time friend has revealed what Bradley Walsh is really like when the cameras stop rolling
A friend and colleague of Bradley Walsh has revealed what it’s been like working alongside The Chase presenter for over four decades. The 64-year-old host has been at the helm of the ITV quiz programme since its launch in 2009.
Never one to take things too seriously, Bradley regularly has a laugh with the chasers and contestants and has been known to be left in hysterics over amusing questions and responses.
One of his most unforgettable moments occurred when he couldn’t contain his laughter over a query about German skier Fanny Chmelar.
After some viewers accused him of faking his reactions, Bradley set the record straight, insisting he doesn’t know what’s coming next.
“I don’t pre-read them, I do it as it is, I literally play the game,” he explained. “If I get a reaction, then it’s much better.”
During an appearance on Laura Hamilton’s Mile Fly Club podcast, he added: “I’ll read what’s on the autocue and half the time, I don’t realise what I’ve said,” reports the Express.
Discussing the infamous Fanny Chmelar incident, Bradley went on to say: “And people, still today, think I’m corpsing deliberately but I’m not, that’s actually me laughing, I had no idea that was [coming] up.”
Backing his long-time friend, Joe Pasquale said The Chase host is the same person on and off screen.
“Bradley is what you see, he does what he says on the tin, what you see is what you get with Brad,” the comedian revealed.
“We’ve been mates for 40 years, myself, Brian [Conley] and Shane [Richie], we all started off together, which is what’s great about The Prat Pack tour.”
Beyond their joint touring, Joe also recently caught Bradley off guard when he turned up as the fresh quizmaster on Beat The Chasers.
Joe joined the panel for a special one-off episode, adopting the moniker Maverick.
Prior to unveiling his true self, Joe was given strict instructions to keep his identity under wraps from the Chasers, audiences, and particularly Bradley.
Speaking about the measures he took to remain disguised, he revealed: “I’d been on the road with Bradley all year, we’ve known each other for 40 years but literally just before filming we had been on the road together. He knows me inside out, he knows my body movements.
“I had to be really calm because I talk really fast and I’m very physical, the producer said, ‘Don’t move, just keep really still and talk very slowly so he doesn’t suss it’s you.’ So it was quite hard for me.”
Thankfully, the comedian succeeded in concealing his identity from Bradley, leaving the presenter “genuinely surprised” by his reveal.
When questioned whether the host was miffed by his deception, he quipped: “He’s never furious with me, he’s like my big brother.”
Joe is appearing in Swansea Grand’s Aladdin until 4 January 2026. The Chase: Celebrity Christmas Special broadcasts tonight at 5.35pm on ITV.
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