Filming for The Chase has been halted for ‘at least a year’ according to reports with the TV show’s future left hanging in the balance.
However, host Bradley Walsh is now free for new roles with sources previously claiming the producers behind Strictly Come Dancing could be eyeing him up for the coveted presenting job.
It comes amid ITV’s dramatic cuts which have seen a number of programmes suffer after Daytime bosses slashed resources with job losses in excess of 220.
The Chase, which usually records in three stints a year, wrapped filming it’s latest series on Friday but there are said to be ‘no plans’ for anymore until next year.
A source said: ‘Everyone found out a few weeks ago and people on set were very miffed and upset as they’ll be out of pocket.
‘It’s been quite a shock and very disappointing. Many crew members feel worried and scared for the future during an uncertain time in TV.’
Filming for The Chase has been halted for ‘at least a year’ according to reports with the TV show’s future left hanging in the balance
They added to The Sun: ‘It’s a deeply unsettling time financially for everyone involved in The Chase. Surely loyal viewers will notice too, if they’re being fed repeat episodes.’
An ITV spokesperson told Daily Mail: ‘The Chase has just finished recording series 19 which completes its recording schedule for this year. ITV continue to air The Chase as usual, with a combination of new and repeat episodes across the year.
‘With over 2.5 million viewers per show, The Chase remains one of the nation’s most loved quiz shows.
‘There is also new Beat the Chasers for 2026 and a brand new spin off series: The Chase Around the World coming soon.’
Elsewhere, Strictly bosses are reportedly eyeing a new male co-host as part of a refreshed presenting trio – with three big names now in the frame to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Producers are said to be keen to introduce a male presenter who could follow in the footsteps of Bruce Forsyth, returning to a format that features a male and female main host.
The shortlist has reportedly been narrowed down to television favourites Bradley and Rylan Clark, alongside current pro dancer Johannes Radebe.
Sources claim producers behind Strictly Come Dancing are planning to screen test their preferred candidates in the coming weeks.
However, host Bradley Walsh is now free for new roles with sources previously claiming the producers behind Strictly Come Dancing could be eyeing him up for the coveted presenting job
The successful presenter would reportedly front the BBC One show alongside a female host.
A source told The Sun: ‘The intention would be to team the chosen man up with a female.
‘The show’s executive producers feel Bradley has a similar style to Bruce — he can tell jokes, sing and has lots of charisma.
‘Rylan has a massive fanbase and used to host Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, while Johannes offers expertise.’
The Daily Mail has contacted BBC for comment.
Tess and Claudia stepped back from the show after the most recent series came to an end last December – with speculation continuing to grow about who will be lined up to replace them.
It was recently reported that Emma Willis and Zoe Ball are also strongly being considered for one of the hosting spots by bosses.
Emma, 49, recently took over from Zoe, 55, on BBC Radio 2 after she stepped down from the afternoon slot after just seven months.
Zoe has said she would ‘love’ to take on the hosting job, who previously hosted Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two until 2021.
