Get the latest OK! breaking news on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More infoJoin us on WhatsApp Bradley Walsh is best known for his hosting gigs on game shows like The Chase, Blankety Blank, the Wheel of Fortune, and the recent reboot of the popular 90s series Gladiators, which he co-presents with his son Barney. Despite his successful career in television, the 64-year-old didn’t always dream of being a TV personality. In fact, he kicked off his career as a professional footballer. In 1979, at just 18 years old, the star became a professional footballer for Brentford. Although he didn’t make it to the first team, he was a regular player in the reserves. His career took a different turn when he landed the hosting role on The Wheel of Fortune. He then ventured into acting, appearing in shows like Coronation Street, Law and Order, and BBC One’s sci-fi drama Doctor Who. While we know quite a bit about The Chase host, his private life away from the small screen isn’t often discussed, reports Gloucestershire Live. Famous wife and son
Bradley’s wife Donna was a famous dancer
(Image: Getty)
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Off-camera, Bradley enjoys his time at his stunning £2.5 million home in Essex with his wife, Donna Derby. Donna and the TV star have been happily married for over two decades, and many might not know that Brad’s wife was actually a star herself. She is a former dancer who worked in the music industry and famously appeared in Robert Palmer’s Simply Irresistible 80s pop video. The couple share a 27 year old son, Barney, who has chosen to follow in his famous parents’ footsteps and carve out a career in showbiz. Barney has been lighting up the screen in Casualty and teams up with his dad to present Gladiators, among his other TV gigs. Heartache
Bradley once dated Bernie Nolan
(Image: Belinda Jiao/ Getty Images)
Before finding love with his current wife, Donna, Bradley Walsh was romantically linked to Bernie Nolan of The Nolans. Set up by Bernie’s sister Coleen and her former husband Shane Richie back in 1989. At the time, the famous pair’s romance blossomed and they remained an item for three years before they went their separate ways. Tragically, Bernie lost her fight against breast cancer in 2013 after a three-year battle. Reflecting on her past, she previously shared with The Mirror: “Shane Richie and Coleen introduced me to Bradley in 1989.” She reminisced about their first encounter: “They took me to see him in a show. Afterwards, we chatted for the first time. It was a bit embarrassing because I already knew he fancied me, but it was awkward in a nice way.” Rarely seen daughter
Barney and Hayley are close despite the age gap
While Bradley’s son Barney is no stranger to the spotlight, many fans are less familiar with his half-sister Hayley, Brad’s daughter with ex Debby Parker. Choosing a path away from the limelight, Hayley pursued a career as a reflexologist, embracing the art of soothing holistic foot massage. Born in 1982, the TV personality’s 43 year old daughter came into the world long before Barney, who arrived 15 years later. Despite the significant age difference, Hayley and Barney share a close relationship. Bradley is now a grandfather
Bradley is now a grandfather to little Dax
(Image: mirrorpix)
Preferring the peace of a life outside the glitz and glamour, Hayley lives happily with her husband Tom and their son Dax in Hertfordshire. In November 2021, Hayley gave birth to her son, making Bradley a first-time grandad. The Chase presenter couldn’t contain his excitement about his new role as a grandfather, having previously shared with Saga magazine: “I am a grandfather! My daughter and her husband, Tom, have a baby boy who is coming up to five months old.” Health woes
Bradley has always been open about his health battle
(Image: (Image: ITV))
Bradley has been open about his battle with blepharitis, an eye condition that leads to itchy and often swollen eyelids. During an appearance on This Morning, Bradley discussed online comments about his looks, saying: “People don’t realise I have seriously bad blepharitis,” he continued: “I have to take one pill a day for it or I really struggle.” The beloved TV host has mentioned that if his condition worsens, surgery might be necessary. Bradley remarked: “I am going to need my eyes operated on at some point to sort it out. So many times, people have commented on how I look. But they don’t realise. If I take medication, though, I’m fine.” The Chase airs weekdays on ITV1, from 5pm.
