The presenter, singer, actor and comedian is one busy cheeky chappie! From The Chase to Blankety Blank, to the Larkins, and most recently co-hosting the revival of Gladiators with his son Barney Walsh, his diary looks jam-packed. But who is the man behind that infamous grin? Here's all you need to know about Bradley Walsh…
Bradley on presenting Gladiators with son Barney Walsh
Bradley and Barney Walsh have recently been confirmed as hosts of a new series of Gladiators, bringing their charm, wit and on-screen chemistry to the arena. The series is already a part of the Walsh family, as Donna Walsh, Barney’s mum and Bradley’s wife, was head choreographer for the Gladiator cheerleaders on the original series.
Speaking about the announcement, Bradley said: “Wow! I can’t believe that I’ve been asked to be part of this iconic show. I used to sit backstage, or in the audience, every week watching my wife be part of this juggernaut and now I get to co-host a new version of Gladiators!
“Gladiators has been a massive part of our family and it’s an honour to be asked to co-host this iconic show. I’m so excited for everyone to see the spectacle, elite athletes and fantastic family entertainment, it's Saturday night family entertainment at its best...are you ready?!“”
The 11-part reboot will be back on our screens later this year, to read more about Bradley's memories of the original Gladiators series, and how he feels about presenting alongside his son Barney, go to the Yours Members site.
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Where is Bradley Walsh from?
Bradley was born in Watford and grew up in Leavesden. He was famed for his schoolboy football skills, scoring 64 goals on the school team.
After such a sporty start in life, it’s no surprise that Bradley was snapped up as a professional player for Brentford at the tender age of 18. Sadly for him (but luckily for TV fans) he was injured in the early 1980s. His love of sports has landed him the role of team captain on Play To The Whistle, a sport-based panel show hosted by Holly Willoughby.
Is Bradley Walsh married?
He is indeed. Bradley has been married to former dancer Donna Derby since 1997. The pair have two children together and live in Essex.
How many children does Bradley Walsh have?
Bradley has two children, a son called Barney, whom he appeared on The Dangerous Book for Boys and Bradley & Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad with, and a daughter, Hayley.
How old is Bradley Walsh?
Bradley was born in June 1960 and is currently 62 years old.
Bradley’s singing career
As if acting and presenting didn’t keep him busy enough, it turns out Bradley has a beautiful singing voice too! In 2016 he released his debut album Chasing Dreams, which featured classic Rat Pack covers such as That’s Life and Mr Bojangles.
Chasing Dreams was followed in 2017 by When You’re Smiling,featuring covers of classic songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, to name a few.
Bradley’s TV shows
He’s hardly been off our screens in recent years, but it’s quite a diverse CV for our Bradley. He’s been in the TV series The Dangerous Book for Boys along with his son, Channel 4 series Lock, Stock…, Coronation Street as Danny Baldwin, Doctor Who, played Brutus in SunTrap, a BBC comedy, and had a small role in TV movie Mike Bassett: England Manager, to name just a few.
Bradley Walsh in The Larkins
Bradley stars as Pop Larkin in the reprise of The Darling Buds of May, a new six-part adaptation called The Larkins. The second season of the hit ITV show is due to start soon and we can't wait to see what Pop Larkin has in store when the wheeler-dealer with a heart of gold returns! But what can we expect from the new series?
“Mariette and Charlie have gone off on their extended honeymoon around Europe – Pop and Ma Larkin are happy for them but sad that the family’s not together.
“Their younger daughter, Primrose, is growing up and has a bit of a love interest. Then there’s the snobby, middle-class couple – the Jerobohms – who have moved in next door. Pop’s not having any of their stuck-up ways and a real class warfare thing goes on between them. The wife – Pinkie – thinks she’s got Pop just where she wants him but she hasn’t, of course.”
Bradley on starring in The Larkins with his son
Bradley Walsh is undoubtedly proud of his only son, but he doesn’t like to boast about him. On the set of The Larkins, for instance, quite a few of the newer cast members had no idea that Barney, who plays PC Harness, is actually Bradley’s son.
“They didn’t know we’re related,” Bradley laughs. “Yeah, so old Barney boy plays the local copper. He and I don’t have that many scenes together but it’s great having him in the show.
“It also makes me feel very proud when actors like Morgana Robinson, who plays the Larkin’s snooty new neighbour in this second series, tell me that working with Barney was one of her favourite scenes.
“We work together on Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad, of course. I’m a bit jet-lagged today because we’re just back from Guatamala where Barney was trying to encourage me to jump off a mountain!
Bradley has previously spoken about his close bond with Barney (24) and praised his “wonderful humility”, saying “He’s a great lad. I’ve said it on many occasions, he’s the person I always wanted to be. He’s got wonderful humility, he’s very sensitive. He takes after his mum, thankfully, and is much more gentle than I am.”
He tells us now, “He has always been my son, but then all of a sudden he’s your equal and a work colleague – and a mate – and someone you respect.”
Bradley Walsh hosting Blankety Blank
Following the huge success of the Blankety Blank Christmas special in 2020, it was confirmed that the classic game show would be returning to BBC One for a new Saturday night series hosted by the brilliant, Bradley Walsh.
Talking about his new hosting role, Bradley said in a statement "I struggle to remember the last time I laughed as much as when I was filming Blankety Blank."
Bradley Walsh and son on Breaking Dad
In 2019 Bradley and his son, Barney, teamed up to do a fun TV series together, where Barney takes his dad on adventurous road trips around the world. So far there’s been three series, which has seen the father-son-duo travel to many destinations, including the USA, Italy and even Germany. And if you’re a fan of the show you’ll be pleased to know that it won’t be long until the fourth series, as Bradley’s already revealed where the pair are heading next.
Speaking on This Morning he said: “We’re off to Scandinavia and that’s been fantastic. I got a phone call this morning in the car from a couple of companies for me to go New Zealand, saying ‘Can we please bring Breaking Dad to New Zealand?’
“They’re desperate for it, it’s a big hit in New Zealand.”
Bradley’s role on Doctor Who
In 2008 Bradley was in two episodes of the Doctor Who spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures, and he obviously impressed.
In October 2017 the BBC revealed we’d be seeing a lot more of Bradley, as he was cast as the companion to Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor Who in series 11, which will hit screens in late 2018. We can’t wait!
Bradley on Coronation Street
Corrie fans will remember Bradley’s character well. He played factory boss Danny Baldwin for two years from 2004-2006. He actually requested his character’s name, as his father was called Danny.
Law and Order UK
Bradley Walsh took on the role of Detective Ronnie Brooks in 2009 and stayed with the crime series for five years. When he left he said: “Ronnie Brooks is one of my best friends. It’s been an absolute pleasure to inhabit Ronnie’s Mac for as long as I have.”
He was such a hit on the show that when he announced he was leaving in 2014, ITV put the whole series on hiatus!
In terms of presenting, as well as Wheel of Fortune and The Chase, he’s worked on Spin Star, My Little Soldier, Odd One In, and hosted countdowns including 50 Greatest Stars Polls and No1 Soap Fan. Keeping up? That’s without mentioning Sunday Night at the Palladium, Keep It In the Family, Cash Trapped and even an episode of The One Show.
His first game show was called Midas Touch, and then in 1997 he was offered Wheel of Fortune after Nicky Campbell left the show. He worked here for a year (replaced by John Leslie) before deciding to try acting.
Bradley on The Chase
It’s hard to believe The Chase has been going since 2009, but it’s testament to its popularity – and Bradley Walsh’s presenting skills – that it still feels fresh after so many years. The ITV quiz show sees contestants play a professional quizzer (known as the chaser) including Anne Hegerty, Mark Labbett and Shaun Wallace.
Bradley Walsh on the National Lottery
After various jobs, including being a bluecoat at Pontins,Bradley scored his first TV job in 1994, presenting the National Lottery. He was quickly poached from the BBC by ITV who offered him gameshow hosting roles.
It was recently announced Bradley would be the new host of Blankety Blank!
Bradley Walsh in panto
Bradley is a regular veteran of British pantomime, and over the years has appeared in Aladdin, Peter Pan, Cinderella, Dick Whittington, Snow White and Jack and the Beanstalk!
Bradley Walsh's funniest moments
Bradley is famed for laughing and getting the giggles while he’s presenting – and it’s one of the reasons we like him so much!
Here are some of his funniest moments from The Chase.
What is Bradley Walsh's net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Bradley's estimated worth is around $8 million, which in British pounds, is close to £6 million.
What is Bradley Walsh's height?
Bradley's not too tall, and he measures at 5ft 8in, that's around 1.75m.