Bradley Walsh Opens Up About Health And Hosting Future

Bradley Walsh, a household name in British television, has long been the face of family entertainment, delighting audiences as the host of The Chase and, more recently, the rebooted Gladiators alongside his son, Barney Walsh. But behind the scenes, the 65-year-old presenter’s life has been marked by a quieter, more personal battle: his ongoing struggle to maintain his health in the face of a daunting family history.

Almost a month has passed since Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly’s final episode of Strictly Come Dancing aired, sparking fevered speculation about who might take over their coveted hosting duties. Among the names most frequently mentioned is Bradley Walsh, whose easy charm and experience with live audiences would seem a perfect fit. Yet, as reported by Digital Spy, Walsh has firmly ruled himself out, citing his cherished weekend routine as the deciding factor. “If I was to host Strictly, it would absolutely ruin my weekend,” Walsh told Radio Times. He described his typical winter schedule: home from the studio on Friday, dinner and I’m a Celebrity, Saturday football results, dinner and a pint, Strictly, more I’m a Celebrity, and finally Match of the Day.

His son and Gladiators co-host, Barney, confirmed the authenticity of this ritual. “That is completely true. That’s Dad’s weekend, every weekend,” Barney remarked, underscoring Bradley’s devotion to his personal downtime. The new season of Gladiators kicked off at 5:45pm on January 17, 2026, on BBC One and iPlayer, a project that has brought the Walshes even closer together on and off the screen.

But as much as Bradley treasures his television traditions, it’s his health that’s become an urgent focus in recent years. In a candid joint interview with Barney, as covered by Filmogaz and Heat magazine, Bradley opened up about his ongoing efforts to improve his fitness and wellbeing—a journey spurred by a stark warning from his doctor. “As you get older, it’s much harder, but I really want to get fitter,” Bradley admitted. The motivation is deeply personal: his father died of heart disease at just 59, a fact that has haunted Bradley and shaped his approach to aging.

Turning 60 was more than just a birthday for Bradley; it was a milestone that carried emotional weight. “I had it in the back of my mind that I just had to get past my dad’s age,” he reflected, according to The Sun. Surpassing that threshold was a relief, but hardly the end of his concerns. His doctor’s advice was blunt: with high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease, Bradley described himself as a “time bomb.” “My heart guy said, 'Look, Brad, you need to get fit',” he recalled, emphasizing the seriousness of his condition.

In response, Bradley has overhauled his diet, focusing on healthier choices and cutting back on bread, cakes, potatoes, and other starchy foods. “I’ve got myself a trainer, and I’m actually eating properly. Less bread, cakes, spuds, and stuff like that. I’m actually not doing too badly,” he told Heat. Yet, he’s refreshingly honest about the challenges of sticking to such a regimen, especially with the temptations that come with life on set. He confessed to keeping sweets like Haribo in his dressing room and even his pockets, but stressed the importance of moderation. “You can’t give up everything,” Bradley said, acknowledging that balance is key. “I’m not eating handfuls, just the odd one.”

This sense of balance extends beyond diet. Bradley has made a conscious effort to reduce his consumption of fatty foods and alcohol, all in an attempt to lower his cholesterol and stave off heart disease. The changes haven’t come easily, and he’s the first to admit that his New Year’s resolution to get slimmer and fitter in 2026 is “much harder” than it used to be. “As you get older, it’s much harder,” he reiterated, a sentiment that will resonate with many of his fans facing similar battles.

His journey has been marked by both setbacks and small victories. In 2022, reports surfaced of his significant weight loss, a testament to his commitment and the urgency he feels to avoid his father’s fate. But as he humorously revealed in a recent interview, old habits die hard. At one point, he held up three boxes of chocolates to the camera and laughed, a moment that underscored his belief that life—and health—shouldn’t be about total deprivation.

Bradley’s openness about his struggles has struck a chord with viewers, many of whom see themselves reflected in his efforts to balance enjoyment and responsibility. His approach is pragmatic rather than puritanical, emphasizing gradual improvement over perfection. “I really want to get fitter,” he insisted, adding that he often seeks tips from the Gladiators themselves. “They tell me what to eat or what to take. They’re really lovely.”

Despite his determination, Bradley remains realistic about the limits imposed by age and genetics. “I produce too much cholesterol. It’s a silent killer,” he explained, highlighting the invisible nature of the risks he faces. Yet, he refuses to let fear dictate his life. Instead, he channels his energy into his work, his family, and the small pleasures that make his weekends special—whether it’s a pint in front of the football or a handful of Haribo between takes.

Bradley’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the quiet heroism of everyday choices. He continues to entertain millions, both as a host and as a relatable figure navigating the complexities of health and aging. For those tuning in to Gladiators on Saturday evenings, his positive outlook is unmistakable, even as he faces challenges off-camera. As he puts it, “You can’t give up everything”—a reminder that life, even in the spotlight, is about finding joy in the balance.

For now, Bradley Walsh remains a fixture of British television, his wit and warmth undimmed by the pressures of fame or the realities of aging. His journey serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration, proving that it’s never too late to make meaningful changes—or to savor the simple pleasures that make life worth living.