In a move that’s set the British telly world buzzing, ITV Studios has thrown open the doors to its shiny new entertainment powerhouse – and what a launch it is!

Today, January 14, 2026, the corporation officially unveiled Bright Entertainment, a fresh label dedicated to reality, competitive formats, and scalable hits that can conquer screens around the globe. Led by the dynamic Lily Wilson, former ITV commissioning editor turned Managing Director, Bright Entertainment wasted no time in dropping its first bombshell commission: The Chase Around the World – a thrilling, globe-trotting evolution of the iconic quiz show that’s been a teatime staple for 17 incredible years.

The announcement came straight from the top, with Lily Wilson herself declaring on social media: “Today we officially open the doors of Bright Entertainment! We’re also announcing our first commission: The Chase Around the World. Huge congratulations to the brilliant team behind this exciting new evolution of The Chase! An incredible way to launch the label. We’re very excited for what’s to come! Applications now open! Link in bio!”

Cue the excitement! Fans of The Chase – that nail-biting battle of brains where everyday contestants take on genius quizzers known as The Chasers – are already losing their minds over this high-octane upgrade.

From Studio Lights To Jet-Set Adventures: What Is The Chase Around The World?

Forget the familiar studio set with its dramatic lighting and tense music. This isn’t your average episode of Bradley Walsh firing questions at frantic players while The Beast, The Governess, The Vixen, The Menace, The Dark Destroyer, and The Sinnerman lurk menacingly.

The Chase Around the World takes the beloved format and catapults it into a six-part prime-time adventure series. Hosted once again by the ever-charming Bradley Walsh, the show sees six pairs of contestants embark on a global treasure hunt – but instead of cash prizes hidden in vaults, they’re tracking down the biggest brains in Britain: all six Chasers, scattered in undisclosed secret locations across the planet.

Picture this: Contestants racing through exotic cities, solving intricate puzzles, cracking clues, and using every ounce of general knowledge, observation skills, and quick thinking to hunt down their quarry. The winning pair? They earn the ultimate showdown – pitting their wits against The Chasers in a high-stakes final quiz for a life-changing cash pot.

As Lily Wilson put it: “What better way to launch Bright Entertainment – not only with the news of our inaugural commission, but a reimagining of one of the most successful television quiz formats.”

She added that it’s a “fittingly global evolution for this much-loved format”, promising surprises, problem-solving, and fantastic play-along moments for viewers at home.

ITV commissioners Sue Murphy (Director of Factual Entertainment Commissioning) and Kate Teckman (Head of Development and Commissioning Editor) echoed the hype: “The Chase Around The World is a really exciting new format taking the DNA of Britain’s most iconic quiz into epic real-world locations, in a high-stakes battle of knowledge. The show is full of surprises, problem-solving, and fantastic play-along for viewers. Combined with The Chasers’ intellect and host Bradley’s inimitable wit, viewers are in for an absolute treat in this brand-new iteration of a much-loved brand.”

The Chasers Go Global – And The World Is Already Obsessed

The Chase has been a phenomenon since its 2009 debut on ITV. Commissioned in 22 territories worldwide (including a smash-hit US version), with spin-off Beat the Chasers in 11 countries, it’s racked up awards, loyal audiences, and cultural status. Bradley Walsh’s cheeky banter, the Chasers’ larger-than-life personalities, and those edge-of-your-seat cash-builder rounds have made it must-watch TV.

Now, for the first time, The Chasers themselves become the targets. Fans are thrilled at the prospect of seeing Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett lurking in some shadowy European alley, Anne ‘The Governess’ Hegerty issuing cryptic challenges from an Asian metropolis, or Paul ‘The Sinnerman’ Sinha hiding out in a sun-drenched tropical spot.

One insider teased: “The Chasers are already famous around the world, so fans can look forward to seeing them ply their trade in some superb secret locations.”

Production is handled by Bright Entertainment (under the ITV Studios umbrella), with executive producers Phil Mount, Martin Scott, and Mark Saben, head of production Christina Clayton, and development led by Phil Mount and Ian Gill.

Bright Entertainment: The Powerhouse Behind The Magic

Bright Entertainment isn’t starting from scratch. It absorbs the powerhouse catalogues of Potato (the original producers of The Chase) and 12 Yard, bringing under one roof a treasure trove of hits:

• The Chase and Beat the Chasers (ITV)
• Bullseye with Freddie Flintoff (ITV, recently returning for a new series)
• Celebrity Puzzling (recommissioned by Channel 5 for 50 more episodes)
• The Finish Line (BBC)

The senior team is stacked: Creative Director Tom Williams (fresh from TalkbackThames), Creative Directors Martin Scott and Phil Mount, Head of Production Christina Clayton, and Director of Development Ian Gill.

With offices in London and Glasgow, Bright is positioned to churn out scalable, exportable formats that can travel the world – just like The Chase itself.

ITV Studios will handle international distribution, meaning fans abroad could soon see their own versions or the UK original.

Why This Launch Feels So Perfect – And What’s Next?

Launching with a reimagined version of its biggest hit is a masterstroke. The Chase has proven staying power – 17 years strong, multiple BAFTAs, and a format that’s endlessly adaptable. Taking it global taps into the travel-adventure trend (think Race Across the World fans crossing over) while keeping the core quiz DNA intact.

Social media is already ablaze. Fans are posting: “Bradley in exotic locations chasing The Beast? Sign me up!” and “This is the evolution we’ve been waiting for!” Applications for contestants are open (link in bio, as Lily teased), and early signs suggest huge interest.

For Bright Entertainment, this is just the beginning. Lily Wilson promised “the first of many more exciting formats to come”, hinting at a pipeline of fresh ideas blending competition, reality, and pure entertainment.

As the doors swing wide open, the future looks… well, bright.

Bradley Walsh, The Chasers, and a world of puzzles await. Get ready – the chase is going global, and it’s going to be unmissable.