Bradley Walsh and his son Barney are back on the road, and this time, they're taking viewers on a whirlwind adventure across Australia in the seventh series of the much-celebrated ITV travel show, Breaking Dad. For fans of heartwarming family television and those who crave a blend of humor, adrenaline, and breathtaking scenery, Friday evenings just got a lot more exciting. The new six-part series launched on May 1, 2026, at 7:30 PM across ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, promising to deliver more of the father-son banter and daring escapades that have made the show a staple since its debut in 2019.
In this latest run, the 65-year-old television mainstay Bradley Walsh and his 28-year-old son Barney trade the familiar landscapes of Europe and America for the vast wilderness and iconic sights of Australia. The journey kicks off in Sydney, where the duo waste no time in exploring the world-renowned Sydney Harbour Bridge and the majestic Opera House. But, as is tradition on Breaking Dad, relaxation is quickly replaced by adventure. The opening episode sees Bradley pushed to his limits with a hair-raising aerobatic flight—a challenge that leaves the usually unflappable presenter visibly rattled. The day’s excitement is rounded off with a memorable dinner, a moment of calm before more adventures await.
But the thrills don’t end in Sydney. The Walshes soon head to Manly Beach, a hotspot for surfers and sun-seekers alike, where Barney seizes the opportunity to tease his dad in classic fashion. Their journey also takes them to the breathtaking Blue Mountains, where panoramic vistas await—but so do Bradley’s fears. The extreme cable car ride through the mountains once again tests his resolve, as viewers are treated to a mix of awe-inspiring scenery and Bradley’s trademark wit and apprehension.
This dynamic—Barney’s relentless quest to push his father out of his comfort zone, and Bradley’s mix of trepidation and good-natured humor—has been at the heart of Breaking Dad’s enduring appeal. Fans have been effusive in their praise. One viewer wrote, “Absolutely love this show. The father and son relationship is great. Bradley's sense of humor is fantastic and makes you laugh out loud. A must watch especially if you are a fan of Bradley Walsh.” Another added, “Absolutely loved both series, they're just visiting places and doing stuff and being happy together. Add in the odd ukulele singalong—this is real feel good stuff. Pretty sure I just smile all the way through.” The sentiment is echoed across social media, with many highlighting the genuine bond and infectious joy the pair bring to the screen.
Yet, for Bradley Walsh, this chapter is just the latest in a long and varied career. According to The Mirror and other outlets, his journey to television stardom was anything but conventional. Before his days as a beloved presenter, Bradley started out as an apprentice jet engineer at Rolls Royce. His athletic prowess soon caught the eye of a Brentford FC scout, leading him to sign with the football club for two seasons. However, a career-ending injury forced him to rethink his path.
Bradley’s first taste of performance came as a bluecoat entertainer at Pontins, a role he took on after being “let go for messing around” in school and earlier jobs. But, as he recounted to Comedy.co.uk, this stint was short-lived. “Once I left that to get into the entertainment industry and become a blue coat, I got sacked from being the bloke that was messing around. I thought that was the job! In the end I thought to myself, why don't I just get paid for messing around?” he said. Rather than being deterred, Bradley turned to stand-up comedy, crafting a routine that leaned heavily on physical humor reminiscent of Norman Wisdom. “That was a very conscious decision. So, I've got myself a routine together. I was a very physical comic, bit like Norman Wisdom, not so many jokes. I was a very physical comic. And that's where it all started.”
His talent and perseverance paid off. Over the past two decades, Bradley has become a fixture on British television, renowned for his versatility as a comedian, actor, and host. His acting credits include memorable roles such as Danny Baldwin in Coronation Street, DS Ronnie Brooks in Law and Order: UK, and Graham O'Brien in BBC One’s Doctor Who.
But it was in 2009 that Bradley’s career took another pivotal turn. As he recounted, he landed the hosting gig for ITV’s quiz show The Chase after a proactive visit to ITV’s headquarters. “I took it away and I said 'Yes, this can work, this will work' and she said, 'Okay, well we're going to make a pilot' and I said, 'I'll do it for you' and she said, 'Yeah, but it's only an office run-through' and I said, 'I'll do it for you, don't worry',” Bradley recalled of his conversation with ITV’s then-head of daytime television.
Since then, The Chase has become one of the nation’s most beloved quiz shows, regularly drawing over 2.5 million viewers per episode. According to ITV, the show recently finished recording its nineteenth series, with a mix of new and repeat episodes planned for broadcast throughout the year. “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,” a spokesperson told The Mirror. Fans can also look forward to a new season of Beat the Chasers in 2026 and an upcoming spin-off, The Chase Around the World.
Meanwhile, Breaking Dad continues to strike a chord with audiences seeking wholesome, light-hearted entertainment. The show’s success, according to fan testimonials and media coverage, lies in its authentic portrayal of family dynamics and its ability to blend laughter with adventure. As one fan put it, “The great father and son relationship. Lots of funnies along the way. If you are a Bradley Walsh fan its a must watch.”
With series seven now airing, viewers can expect even more unforgettable moments as Bradley and Barney traverse the Australian outback, face new challenges, and share plenty of laughs along the way. Whether it’s conquering fears on a cable car in the Blue Mountains or enjoying a quiet dinner under the Sydney skyline, the Walshes’ journey is, at its core, about making memories together—and inviting audiences to share in the ride.
As the latest season unfolds, it’s clear that Breaking Dad remains a testament to the enduring appeal of family, adventure, and the simple joy of “messing around”—something Bradley Walsh, after all these years, has truly mastered.