After more than a decade and a half as the familiar face viewers associate with calm authority and quick wit, Bradley Walsh could be preparing to step away from The Chase — marking the end of one of ITV’s most enduring daytime TV eras. Bradley Walsh - Curtis Brown

According to industry insiders, Walsh’s current contract with ITV is due to expire in March 2026. If a new deal is not agreed, the presenter would officially bow out of the hit quiz show after 16 years at the helm, a tenure that has helped define the programme’s identity since its launch in 2009.

While ITV has yet to make any public announcement, sources suggest the broadcaster has been quietly preparing for the possibility of change — and may already have a high-profile replacement in mind. Bradley Walsh's rarely-pictured £2.5m Essex barn conversion is a total sanctuary | HELLO!

A Familiar Name Already in the Frame

Behind the scenes, whispers point to Alan Carr as a serious contender for the hosting role. Insiders claim ITV executives have been impressed by Carr’s recent success on The Traitors, where his presence reportedly resonated strongly with audiences and producers alike. Alan Carr's private life - including sad reason for splitting with partner of 13 years, Paul Drayton | HELLO!

One source said:
“Alan has been on ITV’s radar for some time. His ability to balance humour with tension has not gone unnoticed, especially after his recent work.” Alan Carr - IMDb

However, the potential switch is not without risk.

Will Viewers Accept the Change?

Walsh’s warm rapport with contestants — and his steady relationship with the show’s formidable Chasers — has long been considered a key ingredient in The Chase’s success. For many loyal viewers, his voice and presence are inseparable from the programme itself.

That has raised questions internally about whether a new host — even a well-loved one — could truly replicate the same dynamic.

Another insider added:
“Replacing Bradley isn’t just about choosing a famous face. It’s about chemistry. With the Chasers. With the audience. And that’s not something you can manufacture overnight.”

A Quiet Decision, A Big Impact

For now, Bradley Walsh has not commented publicly on his future with the show, and ITV remains tight-lipped. But with the contract deadline approaching, the countdown has effectively begun.

Whether Walsh ultimately renews his deal or chooses to close this chapter, one thing is certain: any change to The Chase will be felt far beyond the studio walls — by viewers, by the Chasers, and by ITV itself.

As the rumours grow louder, fans are left with one lingering question:
Is Britain ready for a new face behind the podium — or is this one change too big to chase?