The Chase host Bradley Walsh has addressed a misconception about the ITV quiz show after fans speculated about a particular moment.
The long-standing presenter says some viewers believe he is “corpsing” when it comes to humorous moments on the programme.
Setting the record straight, the 64-year-old says he never has a clue about what questions are coming and simply reacts in the moment.
“I don’t pre-read them, I do it as it is, I literally play the game,” he explained. “If I get a reaction, then it’s much better.”
One of Bradley’s most unforgettable moments was when he couldn’t stop laughing at a question regarding German skier Fanny Chmelar.
Last year, during Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, things got even funnier when she confronted him and pointed out that Bradley had in fact mispronounced her name.
Speaking on Laura Hamilton’s Mile Fly Club podcast, Bradley said of the viral moment: “I’ll read what’s on the autocue and half the time, I don’t realise what I’ve said.
“And it’s not until afterwards it dawns on me, so for instance, the Fanny Chmelar moment became quite iconic.
“And people, still today, think I’m corpsing deliberately but I’m not, that’s actually me laughing, I had no idea that was [coming] up.”
Since the iconic scene, Bradley revealed that the question setters have been attempting to “catch” him out with similar surprises.
“They used to have bets on who would be able to catch me out, so [there’s] plenty of moments on The Chase,” he added.
Around the same time he addressed the speculation, Bradley also announced his new show, Bradley Walsh: Egypt’s Cosmic Code.
The three-part Sky History documentary series sees the presenter fulfilling a lifelong dream to visit Ancient Egypt’s monuments and delve into the history of the “wonders of the ancient world”.
Following the announcement of his new role, speculation about Bradley’s future on The Chase increased, with betideas.com placing him at 4/6 odds to leave the show.
A spokesperson commented: “Should Walsh depart the programme, the most eye-catching name in the betting to replace him is his son Barney, who is 5/1 to step into his father’s shoes in the ITV series.
“Stephen Mulhern is the market favourite at 2/1 to become the show’s next presenter, with Roman Kemp (5/1) also in the running.”
The Chase airs weekdays from 5pm on ITV and ITVX. Gladiators airs tonight at 7pm on BBC One.