Anne Hegerty has spoken with rare warmth about the person she believes sits at the very heart of The Chase — and fans are nodding along.

Appearing at the TV Choice Awards, the 67-year-old quiz icon credited presenter Bradley Walsh as the real reason the ITV hit has stayed so popular for more than a decade. According to Anne, the show’s success isn’t just about the questions or the format — it’s about the man steering the ship.

“You can come in from work, switch it on, and instantly know where you are in the show,” she explained. “But our absolute secret weapon is Bradley. It would not be the same without him.”

Anne, who has been part of the Chasers since The Chase launched in 2009, said Bradley’s warmth and humour make the programme accessible to everyone — from casual viewers to die-hard quiz fans. “Basically, Bradley is the reason,” she added. “Then the format.”

Still Chasing — And Not Going Anywhere

Seventeen years in, Anne shows no sign of stepping away. In fact, she made it clear she plans to stay “as long as possible,” citing her admiration for long-running TV stalwarts who commit fully to a role. For viewers who’ve grown up with her razor-sharp intellect and dry wit, it’s welcome news.

Since rising to fame, Anne has branched out into reality TV — including a memorable stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! — and she’s already eyeing her next challenge. “I’d absolutely love to be a Celebrity Traitor,” she said, adding she’d say yes “in a heartbeat.”

What’s Next for The Chase?

The momentum isn’t slowing. Alongside the main show, a new travel-themed spin-off, The Chase: Around the World, is set to debut later this year. Hosted once again by Bradley Walsh, the series will see pairs of contestants racing across global locations to track down all six Chasers.

For Anne, the formula remains simple — great questions, a loyal team, and a presenter who brings it all together. And if her words are anything to go by, fans agree: without Bradley, it just wouldn’t be The Chase.