Bradley Walsh lands HUGE new pay deal to stay on The Chase amid fears popular star might quit show
BRADLEY Walsh has landed a near- £4million deal to stay on The Chase, easing ITV bosses’ fears he might quit.
The quiz show presenter, 64, secured a hefty rise of up to £500,000 on his yearly £3.5million package.
Bradley, who fronts a string of other shows, is now ITV’s best-paid male after Ant and Dec.
A showbiz source said: “Bradley is one of the network’s most popular presenters and is hugely likeable.
“During negotiations for his contract to be renewed, bosses at ITV were concerned he might quit if he wasn’t happy with his package.
“There was a real concern he might walk away.”
Bradley has picked up several National Television Awards and TV Choice gongs since fronting The Chase in 2009.
His rapport with the expert Chasers is a key part of its success.
An ITV source added: “The Chase is returning for its 16th year and Bradley is a much-valued host.
“Everyone at the show is delighted.”
It is understood he will receive his salary on a PAYE basis instead of via his own limited company so will pay more tax.
His other ITV work includes a travel show with his son, Bradley & Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad.
He has also hosted reboots of classic game show Blankety Blank and Gladiators for BBC One.
The dad of two has also appeared as an actor in Doctor Who and The Darling Buds of May.
Ant and Dec are said to each earn £20million a year from ITV.
Reps for Bradley and ITV declined to comment on his contract.