Bradley Walsh and his wife Donna smiling at Virgin TV Awards
TV

Bradley Walsh’s touching confession about wife who had huge impact on his career

Bradley married his wife Donna in 1997

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TV royalty Bradley Walsh – who hosts The Chase weekdays on ITV1 – once revealed his wife had a big impact on his career.

The presenter, 64, is known for having roles in Coronation Street and Doctor Who as well as hosting his own shows, Breaking Dad, The Chase and Beat the Chasers.

But Bradley’s wife Donna made a decision to help further his career and without it, he could be a different place today.

Bradley Walsh mid conversation during This Morning
Bradley said his wife had an impact on his career (Credit: ITV)

Bradley Walsh wife

According to an interview in the Mirror back in 2006, Bradley admitted he may have never took his role as Danny Baldwin in Coronation Street.

He told the publication at the time: “I wouldn’t swap missus for the world. Donna isn’t just beautiful, she’s the most fantastic wife and mother. It’s because of her I signed with Coronation Street.”

Bradley Walsh and his wife Donna link arms on red carpet at Virgin TV Awards
Bradley called Donna a “fantastic” wife and mother (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Despite the job meaning Bradley would have been away from home, Donna encouraged him to take it. At the time, their son Barney was just nine.

Donna isn’t just beautiful, she’s the most fantastic wife and mother.

Bradley added: “She’s the one who recognised what it could do for me even though it would mean being apart.”

Donna and Bradley married in 1997. Clearly the time apart didn’t have too much of a negative impact on the father and son duo, who have one of the strongest relationships in showbiz.

Speaking about Barney previously, Bradley said: “We do [get on well]. He’s a great lad Barney. I’ve said it on many occasions – he’s the person I always wanted to be. He’s got wonderful humility, he’s very sensitive. He takes after his mum, thankfully. He’s much more gentle than I am.”

Breaking Dad stars Bradley Walsh and his son Barney
Bradley with his son Barney (Credit: ITV)

Bradley’s a proud grandad

Bradley also has a daughter, Hayley, with his ex Debby Parker.

And, back in November 2021, Hayley welcomed her first child, making Bradders a grandfather. Bradley revealed: “I am a grandfather! My daughter and her husband Tom have had a baby boy.”

He also gave an insight into the type of grandad he’ll be. “When the baby grows into a toddler, make sure you spend plenty of time with them, feeding them ice cream and Coca-Cola, and then give them back at just the right time and say to your children: ‘There you are, that’s what you were like.'”

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Read more: The Chase star Bradley Walsh lets slip that the Chasers’ jokes on the show are scripted

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Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)