In an exclusive interview with GB News at the star-studded event in London on Monday, February 2, 2026, the 67-year-old brainbox didn’t mince words when asked what keeps ITV’s teatime juggernaut ticking after more than 16 years on air. ‘He’s the reason for the show’s popularity,’ Anne said warmly, her usual steely demeanour softening into genuine affection. ‘Bradley is absolutely brilliant. He’s the glue that holds it all together.’

It’s high praise indeed from one of the original Chasers — Anne joined the programme right from its 2009 launch alongside fellow quizzers Mark Labbett (The Beast), Shaun Wallace (The Dark Destroyer), and later additions like Paul Sinha, Jenny Ryan, and Darragh Ennis. But while the Chasers provide the intellectual fireworks, Anne insists it’s Bradley’s unique hosting magic that turns a simple quiz format into must-watch family viewing.

‘He’s got that warmth, that humour, that ability to make contestants feel at ease even when they’re facing elimination,’ she continued. ‘He can switch from gentle encouragement to cheeky banter in a heartbeat, and the audience loves him for it. Without Bradley, The Chase wouldn’t be the phenomenon it is.’

The sentiment comes at a poignant time for the show. With over 3,000 episodes aired, celebrity specials racking up huge ratings, and spin-offs like The Chase: Celebrity Special and international versions thriving worldwide, The Chase has become a British institution — often outperforming prime-time dramas in the schedules. Bradley, the 65-year-old former Coronation Street star turned beloved presenter, has been at the helm since day one, his infectious energy and quick wit making even tense Final Chases feel like a cosy chat with mates.

Anne’s tribute wasn’t just lip service; it carried the weight of nearly two decades of working side-by-side. She’s seen Bradley navigate everything from nail-biting comebacks (contestants beating the Chasers against all odds) to light-hearted ribbing from the podium. Their on-screen dynamic — Anne’s no-nonsense intellect clashing playfully with Bradley’s cheeky interjections — has become one of the show’s most endearing elements.

‘He makes us all better,’ Anne added. ‘The Chasers can be intense, focused on the questions, but Bradley brings the humanity. He talks to the contestants like real people, remembers their stories, makes them laugh when they’re nervous. That’s why viewers keep coming back — it’s not just about the money or the brainpower; it’s about the warmth he creates.’

Fans have long suspected Bradley’s role was pivotal, but hearing it straight from a Chaser — especially the famously forthright Governess — hit home. Social media erupted with agreement: ‘Anne Hegerty just said what we’ve all been thinking — Bradley IS The Chase!‘ one viewer posted on X. Another added: ‘He’s the heart of the show. No wonder it’s lasted so long.‘ Clips of classic moments flooded timelines — Bradley’s infectious laugh after a Chaser slip-up, his encouraging ‘Come on, you’ve got this!’ pep talks, his legendary catchphrase ‘The Chase is on!‘

Bradley himself has always been humble about his contribution, crediting the Chasers’ genius for the format’s success. But Anne’s words paint a fuller picture: a presenter who turns a studio set into a living room, making strangers feel like family while the tension builds. His background as an actor (stints on Doctor Who, Law & Order: UK) gives him the timing to deliver punchlines, while his genuine curiosity about contestants’ lives adds authenticity.

The show’s enduring appeal is undeniable. Since 2009, The Chase has won multiple National Television Awards, spawned books, board games, and even a pub quiz empire. Episodes regularly pull in 3-4 million viewers, with celebrity editions featuring stars like Danny Dyer, Oti Mabuse, and Dion Dublin drawing even bigger crowds. Bradley’s ability to handle chaos — from technical glitches to contestants freezing under pressure — keeps everything flowing seamlessly.

Anne, for her part, has become an icon in her own right. As The Governess, her stern stare, encyclopedic knowledge, and dry wit have made her a fan favourite. She’s ventured into I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (finishing fourth in 2018), authored quiz books, and even appeared in pantomimes. Yet she remains fiercely loyal to The Chase, often defending the format against critics who call it ‘easy’ or repetitive.

Her moving tribute underscores a deeper truth: quiz shows thrive on personality. Bradley’s everyman charm — the cheeky grin, the quick quip, the genuine delight when a team wins big — humanises the high-stakes quizzing. Without him, the Chasers’ brilliance might feel cold; with him, it’s electric entertainment.

Reflecting on the journey, Anne noted how the team has evolved. Early days saw just three Chasers; now six formidable quizzers rotate, each bringing their flavour — Mark’s maths mastery, Shaun’s history depth, Paul’s comedy timing. But Bradley remains the constant, the ringmaster keeping the circus in check.

‘He’s legendary,’ Anne said simply, echoing sentiments she’s shared before but never with quite this emotional weight. The TV Choice Awards moment felt like a quiet celebration of longevity in an industry obsessed with the new. While other shows chase trends, The Chase stays true to its formula — thanks in no small part to the man at the helm.

As the 2026 series rolls on (with fresh episodes already delighting audiences), Anne’s words serve as a love letter to her colleague and friend. In an era of flashy formats and short attention spans, Bradley Walsh’s steady hand has kept The Chase not just popular, but beloved.

From the podium banter to the Final Chase drama, from low-scoring heartbreaks to jackpot triumphs, Bradley is the reason millions tune in every weekday. And as Anne Hegerty so eloquently put it — he’s the reason the show endures.

Here’s to many more chases, with Bradley leading the way and The Governess right behind, ready to pounce on any question that dares cross her path.

The Chase isn’t just a quiz — it’s a British institution. And at its heart? A presenter who’s earned every bit of that glowing tribute.