Brad all over!
HAPPY birthday, Bradders! The Chase host and Doctor Who companion Bradley Walsh turns 60 this week. Ahead of the big day on Thursday, ITV are showing a special programme dedicated to the TV presenter. But how much do you know about the telly funnyman and
Bradley John Walsh was born in Watford, Herts, and according to his teacher at Francis Combe Secondary School, he was destined for entertainment. Mr Carr said: “He was a highly popular but extremely mischievous student whose comic genius was apparent even at the age of 15.” After leaving school at 16, he got a job as an apprentice at Rolls-royce’s aircraft engine factory in Watford.
He originally planned to become a footballer and, aged 18, was playing for Brentford. Although he failed to make the first team he was regularly a member of the reserves.
He also played for Tring Town, Boreham Wood and Chalfont St Peter but an ankle injury cut his career short at the age of 22.
Bradley then went on to do a variety of jobs, including a three-month stint as a Pontin’s Blue Coat.
ITV spotted him and recruited him as presenter of their new game show Midas Touch. After that, he took over from Nicky Campbell as host of Wheel Of Fortune for a year before deciding to try acting.
His first acting job was a minor role in TV series Lock, Stock
– a spin-off from the Guy Ritchie film. He also appeared in Mike Bassett: England Manager before landing a part in Coronation Street in 2004.
Bradley played factory boss Danny Baldwin for two years. The character was initially called Vic, but Bradley asked to change the name in honour of his late father.
He has had one flop show – a programme called Snakes & Ladders which was cancelled before it aired. Bradley has starred in Law & Order and appeared in Doctor Who spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures nine years before he got the role of Tardis companion Graham O’brien.
Bradley has been married to ex-dancer Donna Derby since 1997 and previously dated Nolan sister Bernie. He has a son called Barney and the pair recently appeared on travel series Breaking Dad. He also has a daughter called Hayley from a previous relationship.
As a result of his working class roots, the star has never owned a credit card. He said: “Credit cards frighten me. I’ve never had one and never will.” In 2016 he released a jazz covers album called Chasing Dreams. It sold more than 100,000 copies.
Bradley, who says he has never seen an episode of The Simpsons, earned an estimated £8.5million last year thanks to telly work and his property firm.
Bradley Walsh: Happy 60th Birthday airs on Wednesday at 9pm on ITV.