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Anne Hegerty has addressed how she’d react if Bradley Walsh were to leave The Chase, saying she finds it ‘impossible to imagine’ another presenter taking on the mantle.
During last night’s National Television Awards at Wembley Arena, The Chase family struck gold after the spin-off series Beat The Chasers won in the quiz game show category.
While there was some confusion over the announcement of the winner, which was made by Anneka Rice on stage, the stars and crew members of the programme were delighted as they accepted the accolade.
Metro.co.uk caught up with Anne – aka The Governess – on the red carpet to discuss the future of the quiz show, which she’s been a part of since 2010.
When asked whether she thought anyone could ever take Bradley’s place as host should he ever decide to step down, Anne appeared reluctant to even dwell on the idea.
‘It’s impossible to imagine,’ the 64-year-old responded, although she admitted that she has discussed it with her fellow chaser Mark Labbett, who’s known on the show as The Beast.
Anne doesn’t want to imagine anyone taking Bradley’s place (Picture: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
‘I’ve sometimes had conversations with Mark when he says, “If Bradley leaves, who else do you think could do it?” And I’m like, “No no no, I can’t hear you.”
‘I will not entertain that thought. But who knows. I suppose I can think of a couple of people, but it wouldn’t be the same without Brad.’
The Chase team were out in full force for the awards ceremony (Picture: Doug Peters/EMPICS)
Bradley has hosted The Chase since 2009 (Picture: ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)
Anne added that were Bradley to quit, the Chasers wouldn’t follow in his footsteps but would carry on performing their roles on the programme.
‘If he – please don’t – but if he should leave, then we’ll stick around,’ she promised.
‘I’ve always said I’m with the show until it gets cancelled. At the Baftas, this turned into “until I get cancelled”. I actually meant until they stop commissioning the show. But I have no plans of leaving anywhere.’
While Beat The Chasers took away an award last night, Bradley lost out on the prize for TV presenter to Ant and Dec, who were victorious for the 21st year in a row, also beating Alisomn Hammond and Graham Norton.
Meanwhile, The Chase lost out on the daytime award to This Morning alongside fellow nominees Loose Women and The Repair Shop.
The Chase is available to watch on ITV Hub.
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‘It wouldn’t be the same without Brad,’ The Governess said.