Bradley Walsh smiles
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Bradley Walsh news: Star turned down big-money offer for ‘sentimental reasons’ after fulfilling ‘boyhood dream’

Did you know about The Chase presenter's passion?

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Bradley Walsh – who is hosting The Chase and Beat The Chasers tonight (Wednesday, May 8) – has previously opened up about turning down a big-money offer for ‘sentimental reasons’.

When it comes to his work, Bradley is certainly prolific. As well as his appearances for the ITV quiz show alongside the likes of Anne Hegerty and Mark Labbett, he’s also host of Blankety Blank for the BBC.

And he also showed off his acting chops in The Larkins and Doctor Who.

There are also a raft of shows he’s fronted with his son Barney Walsh. Clearly Bradley has always been driven, with a work ethic few others in showbiz can rival.

But away from work, it seems Bradley has a long-held passion that may previously have seen his heart rule over his head… or rather, over money he might have banked.

Stars get into costume for The Chase Christmas Special
Stars of The Chase get into costume for 2022’s The Chase Christmas Special (Credit: ITV)

Bradley Walsh news

Christmas TV for 2022 included The Chase Celebrity Special on the big day itself.

Billed as an Alice in Wonderland spectacular, the Chasers were in costume as they took on celebrity guests, including Charlotte Church.

But while the quiz players hoped to raise big money for their charities, Bradley once apparently turned down big money after fulfilling a childhood dream.

A self-confessed Jame Bond ‘megafan’, Bradley opened up in an interview in 2022 about his ultimate superspy gadget.

Speaking in April 2022, Bradley told Great British Life he had a lifelong dream to own an Aston Martin DB5, just like he saw in 1964 James Bond flick Goldfinger.

However, when he drove one, Bradley discovered he loved the look but wanted the handling of more modern vehicle.

And so the telly fave decided to create his ultimate dream car. He teamed up with British Automotive Engineering to design a car that fused modern performance with a classic look.

A view of a BAE Vantare with London skyscrapers in the background
A view of a BAE Vantare (Credit: Auto View Point YouTube)

Bradley’s engineering past

Bradley, who trained as a Rolls-Royce apprentice engineer in the past, explained at the time: “My first car was a Mini 1000 with wide wheels and a three-inch exhaust. I couldn’t afford a Mini Cooper S, so I tried my best to get mine to look and sound like one.

“The factory where I worked became film studios where James Bond films were made.”

Bradley Walsh narrows his eyes
Sounds like Bradley Walsh is a bit handy under the bonnet (Credit: YouTube)

‘I am so proud of what we have achieved’

The end product was named the BAE Vantare. From concept to the finished product it took three years to make.

And the first time he drove it, Bradley apparently described the car as ‘going like a rocket’.

However, the run was limited to just 10. But Bradley believes it is a car that even 007 would want to get behind the wheel of.

Prices reportedly started at £275,000.

Bradley revealed at the time: “It was a boyhood dream to own a Bond car and a DB5, but at close to a million pounds for a top-end one I’d rather have this any day. We’ve been offered big money for the first one built, which we’ve turned down mainly because of sentimental reasons.”

Read more: The Chase host Bradley Walsh called out for ‘harsh’ behaviour towards contestant

The Chase airs on weekdays from 5pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Beat The Chasers is on tonight (Wednesday, May 8) at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. 

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer