• Anne Hegerty, 67, reveals Bradley Walsh is the ‘absolute’ reason for the show’s global success.

• The Chaser legend breaks silence at the TV Choice Awards: ‘It would not be the same without him.’

• SHOCK CAREER MOVE: The brainbox eyes up a stint on The Traitors after being inspired by Alan Carr’s deception.

• GLOBAL TAKEOVER: New spin-off ‘The Chase Around the World’ confirmed with a high-stakes travel twist.

She is the formidable “Governess” who has terrified thousands of contestants with her icy stare and encyclopedic brain. But today, Anne Hegerty has shown her softer side, delivering a glowing—and surprising—tribute to the man who makes the magic happen.

Speaking exclusively to GB News on the star-studded red carpet of the TV Choice Awards, the 67-year-old quiz titan revealed that while the show’s format is “great,” there is one “secret weapon” responsible for The Chase being a ratings juggernaut since 2009.

And that man is Bradley Walsh.

‘The Absolute Secret Weapon’

In a rare moment of candidness, Anne admitted that the chemistry on set isn’t just TV fluff—it’s the backbone of a 17-year legacy.

“Our absolute secret weapon is absolutely Bradley,” she told reporters. “It would not be the same without him. Basically, Bradley is the reason [for the show’s popularity] and then I think the format.”

Fans of the show know Bradley for his infectious laughter—often triggered by the show’s legendary double-entendres—and his ability to put nervous contestants at ease. According to Anne, that’s the magic ingredient that keeps millions of viewers tuning in at 5:00 PM every weekday.

“Everyone can understand it,” she elaborated. “You can come in from work, switch it on, you can immediately see how far into the show you are. But it’s Bradley who brings it all together.”

I’m Not Leaving! Anne’s ‘Corrie’ Vow

As rumors often swirl about the future of the Chasers, Anne was quick to shut down any talk of retirement. In fact, she’s taking inspiration from a British soap legend to ensure she stays put for decades to come.

“I mean, as long as possible,” she confirmed when asked how much longer she’ll be haunting the Chaser’s chair. “I greatly respect William Roache [Ken Barlow], you know, for getting his job on Coronation Street, planting his feet there and never leaving!”

It seems “The Governess” is ready to become the “Ken Barlow of Quizzing,” much to the relief of her legions of “Frosty Knickers” fans.

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THE CHASE: BY THE NUMBERS

Statistic	Detail
Launch Year	2009
Current Age of Anne	67
Anne’s ‘I’m A Celeb’ Rank	7th Place (2018)
New Spin-Off	The Chase Around the World
Secret Weapon	Bradley Walsh

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From The Jungle to The Castle?

Anne is no stranger to reality TV, having won hearts during her 2018 stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. But she’s now eyeing a much more devious role in a show that has taken the nation by storm.

Following the smash-hit success of the celebrity version of The Traitors—which saw comedian Alan Carr pull off a masterclass in deception to be crowned winner—Anne wants in on the action.

“I would absolutely love to be a Celebrity Traitor, I’d definitely say yes!” she enthused.

Given her poker face and legendary intellect, fans are already calling for her to be cast. Could “The Governess” be the ultimate Traitor, sniffing out the Faithfuls one by one?

The Chase Goes Global: A New Frontier

But before she starts “murdering” celebrities in a Scottish castle, Anne has a massive new project on the horizon. ITV has confirmed a high-octane spin-off titled The Chase Around the World.

Combining the tension of the quiz show with the adventure of Race Across the World, the new series will see:

• Six pairs of contenders traveling to undisclosed international locations.

• The Hunt: They must track down all six Chasers hidden across the globe.

• The Host: Bradley Walsh remains at the helm, proving once again he is the busiest man in showbiz.

The show is set to debut later this year, taking the Chasers out of their darkened studio and into the wild.

A Golden Era

As The Chase enters its 17th year, the bond between the “Brainboxes” and their host seems stronger than ever. In a landscape where TV shows are canceled after a single season, the enduring appeal of the “Brad and Anne” dynamic is a rare gold mine for ITV.

Whether she’s chasing down contestants in a studio or hiding in a secret location in Tokyo, one thing is certain: Anne Hegerty isn’t going anywhere—as long as Bradley is by her side.