In an emotional and hilarious exclusive chat that’s melting hearts across the nation, comedy legend Joe Pasquale has lifted the lid on his incredible 40-year friendship with Bradley Walsh – branding The Chase host “exactly what you see” off-camera and insisting he’s “like my big brother” who never gets furious, no matter how much mischief they get up to!

The 64-year-old squeaky-voiced funnyman, who stunned Bradley by secretly appearing as a mystery quizmaster on Beat The Chasers earlier this year, spilled the beans on their unbreakable bond amid fresh accusations that Walsh ‘corpses deliberately’ for laughs on the ITV smash. But Joe, who’s toured the country with Brad in their riotous Prat Pack shows alongside Shane Richie and Brian Conley, fired back: “Bradley is what you see, he does what he says on the tin – what you see is what you get with Brad!”

Insiders say Joe’s glowing tribute has left Bradley “choked up,” with one pal whispering to Daily Mail: “Brad’s been accused of faking those giggles, but Joe’s known him since they were scraping by in holiday camps – if anyone knows the real him, it’s Joe. This has shut down the haters good and proper!”

The revelation comes as Bradley, now one of TV’s biggest earners with a packed schedule hosting The Chase, Gladiators alongside son Barney, and Blankety Blank, faces fresh scrutiny over his on-screen hysterics. Viewers have long adored his uncontrollable corpsing at rude contestant names or daft answers – but trolls claim it’s all an act. Joe, however, insists it’s 100% genuine, just like their decades-long mateship.

“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,” Joe gushed. “We’ve known each other forever, been on the road all year… he’s never furious with me, he’s like my big brother!”

Let’s dive into this proper bromance – because Joe and Brad’s story is pure showbiz gold, from Pontins bluecoats to packing out arenas!

It all kicked off back in the early 80s when a young Bradley – fresh from a pro football career cut short by injury – was grafting as a Pontins entertainer. Walsh, Conley and Richie all donned those iconic blue coats, hosting bingo, knackering themselves with kids’ games and cracking jokes to holidaymakers. Joe, meanwhile, was a Warner’s Greencoat nearby, honing his unique squeak and physical comedy.

“We were all just kids trying to make it,” Joe recalled with a chuckle. “Brad was always the cheeky one – full of energy, messing about, but with this massive heart. Even then, you could tell he’d go far. He’s got that natural charm – makes everyone feel like his mate.”

Fast-forward through the decades, and their paths kept crossing: panto seasons, variety shows, late-night telly gigs. They even performed together at the Royal Variety Performance in 1990 – the only time all four Prat Pack lads shared a stage back then.

But it was their recent tours that cemented the legend. The Prat Pack – a cheeky nod to the Rat Pack – sees the quartet belting out classics, swapping stories and bantering like old times. “It’s songs, jokes, stories – proper old-school entertainment,” Joe beamed. “People are starved of it these days. We share a dressing room, have a laugh… it’s like being back at Pontins!”

One highlight? Joe’s epic prank on Beat The Chasers. Disguised as ‘Maverick’ with a fake beard and voice modulator, he fooled everyone – including his “big brother” Brad. “I’d been on the road with Bradley all year, we’d literally just finished touring together before filming,” Joe laughed. “But I kept it secret – he was genuinely surprised when I revealed myself!”

Brad’s reaction? Pure shock – followed by that trademark belly laugh. “He’s never furious with me,” Joe insisted. “Even when I wind him up!”

Off-camera, Joe’s painted a picture of a down-to-earth family man who’s stayed grounded despite mega-fame. Bradley, dad to Barney (his Gladiators co-host) and Hayley, is married to choreographer Donna Derby – and Joe’s full of praise for how he juggles it all.

“Brad’s the same bloke I met 40 years ago,” Joe said. “No ego, no airs. He works bloody hard – The Chase alone is non-stop – but he’s always got time for mates. We text nonsense, slag each other off… proper lads.”

The timing of Joe’s defence couldn’t be better. Bradley’s been hit with “fake corpsing” claims after episodes where he dissolves into giggles over answers like “Fanny Chmelar” or contestants’ mishaps. But Joe reckons it’s all real: “That’s just Brad! He’s got this infectious laugh – always has. If something’s funny, he can’t hold it in. What you see on telly is him – genuine, warm, hilarious.”

Fans are lapping it up. Social media’s flooded with support: “Joe Pasquale confirming Brad’s the real deal? Iconic!” one tweeted. Another: “40 years of friendship – that’s proper loyalty. Love these lads!”

The Prat Pack’s success has been massive – sold-out tours, standing ovations, fans raving about the chemistry. “It’s because we’re genuine mates,” Joe explained. “No scripted banter – just us taking the mick. Shane’s the cheeky one, Brian’s the showman, Brad’s the leader… and I’m the idiot with the squeaky voice!”

Looking ahead, Joe’s hinted at more surprises. With The Chase celebrating 15 years, Gladiators smashing records, and Bradley’s acting chops still sharp (remember Corrie’s Danny Baldwin or Doctor Who’s Graham?), the future’s bright.

But for Joe, it’s the personal side that matters most. “Working with Brad after all these years? It’s a privilege. He’s family. Big brother, mate, legend – all rolled into one.”

As 2025 wraps up with a celebrity Christmas special of The Chase airing tonight, one thing’s clear: Bradley Walsh isn’t just TV’s nicest guy – he’s got mates who’d back him to the hilt after four decades of laughs.

And in showbiz, that’s rarer than a perfect Final Chase!