Bradley Walsh strikes HUGE new pay deal to stay on The Chase amid fears popular star could leave show

BRADLEY Walsh has agreed a new deal to stay on The Chase, allaying ITV bosses’ fears he could quit.

The quiz presenter, 64, got a pay rise after reportedly earning £3.5million.

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Bradley, who hosts a string of other shows, is now ITV’s highest-paid man after Ant and Dec.

A showbiz source said: “Bradley is one of the channel’s most popular presenters and is extremely likeable.

“During negotiations to renew his contract, ITV bosses feared he would quit if he was unhappy with his package.

“There was a real fear that he might go away.”

Bradley has won several National Television Awards and TV Choice gongs since taking on The Chase in 2009.

His relationship with Chasers experts is a key element of his success.

An ITV source added: “The Chase returns for its 16th year and Bradley is a much-loved host.

“Everyone at the show is delighted.”

It is understood he will receive his salary on a PAYE basis rather than through his own limited company and will therefore pay more tax.

His other ITV work includes a travel show with his son, Bradley & Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad.

He also hosted reboots of the classic game show Blankety Blank and Gladiators for BBC One.

The father of two has also appeared as an actor in Doctor Who and The Darling Buds of May.

Ant and Dec are said to each earn £20 million a year from ITV.

Sources close to Bradley claim he has seen a rise, but dispute the previous figure of £3.5million.

Representatives for Bradley and ITV declined to comment on his contract.

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