Entertainment
The Chase’s Bradley Walsh to host revival series of Blankety Blank
Blankety Blank is to return to BBC One for a full series with Bradley Walsh as host.
The Doctor Who actor and host of hit ITV game show The Chase previously fronted a Christmas special of the classic programme last year.
Each episode will see a panel of six celebrities try to fill in missing answers over a series of rounds.
On his return to Blankety Blank, Bradley said: ‘I struggle to remember the last time I laughed as much as when I was filming Blankety Blank – so when they asked if I’d be up for doing a series, I jumped at the chance, I’m just so pleased I get to be a part of it.
‘I stand on the shoulders of giants like Les Dawson and Sir Terry Wogan but I’m hoping to put my own stamp on the fantastically nostalgic show.’
BBC director of entertainment Kate Phillips added: ‘Blankety Blank has it all – ridiculous questions, unpredictable celebrities, bizarre prizes and, in Bradley a very funny and much-loved host.
‘I can’t wait for everyone to watch and start filling in those blanks.’
The show originally ran between 1979 and 1990 and was hosted by Sir Terry Wogan and then Les Dawson.
Paul O’Grady also hosted a revival in his drag alter-ego guise Lily Savage from 1997 to 2002.
The Christmas special aired in December and included star guests Jimmy Carr, Emilia Fox, Danny Jones, Amir Khan, Sue Perkins and Anita Rani on the panel.
However, viewers’ feathers were ruffled as they accused comic Jimmy of trying to steal attention from Bradley during the episode.
When Bradley read a question about turkey wrongly he was of course grilled by the 8 Out Of 10 Cats host.
Jimmy joked: ‘I don’t mind that you misread it, it’s just lovely to see someone your age on TV at this time of year.
Someone have a word with Jimmy Carr and tell him he isn’t presenting this. You are on the panel Jimmy,’ one fan tweeted, referring to Jimmy’s wisecracking throughout the programme.
Blankety Blank will air on Saturday nights, the BBC said.
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