TV

The Chase star Bradley Walsh’s secret medical battle and how it impacted his work

The host takes daily medication to combat the problem

| Updated:

The Chase host Bradley Walsh is a firm favourite on TV screens, but fans may not know that he suffered from a secret health battle.

The 64-year-old presenter – on screen on Beat The Chasers tonight (August 30) – previously opened up about the condition on This Morning in 2017.

But what did Bradley suffer from? And how did it affect his work on The Chase?

Bradley Walsh in suit on This Morning
Bradley previously opened up about a medical condition he suffered from (Credit: ITV)

What did The Chase star Bradley Walsh say?

In 2017, the much-loved star sat down with This Morning’s Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes.

During the chat, Bradley revealed he suffered from blepharitis, which makes his eyes look swollen and red.

Due to the effects of the medical condition, fans often commented on his eyes.

Read more: Bradley Walsh shocked by The Chase contestant’s appearance following confession

At the time, he shared: “People don’t realise I have seriously bad blepharitis.

“I have to take [one pill] a day for it or I really struggle. I am going to need my eyes operated on at some point to sort it out.

People don’t realise I have seriously bad blepharitis.

“So many times, people have commented on [how I look]. But they don’t realise. If I take [medication] though, I’m fine.”

Bradley Walsh looking towards the camera on The Chase
Bradley is known for hosting The Chase (Credit: ITV)

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis mainly causes red, swollen, itchy eyelids and flakes or crusts at the base of the eyelashes.

In some of the worst cases, sufferers can wake up with their eyelids stuck together.

While the condition isn’t particularly serious, it may lead to dry eyes, cysts and conjunctivitis.

However, it can normally be treated by washing your eyelids every day.

According to the NHS website, sufferers can use eye pads, wipes and eyedrops to clean the area.

A local GP can also be contacted in serious cases.

Bradley Walsh with his arms around son Barney at the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards 2019
Bradley pictured with his son Barney (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Bradley also previously opened up about his career and how he gives each job 100%.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph in 2017, he said: “I don’t think I can plate-spin, I’ve turned loads of things down because I just can’t get the time to do it. I can’t devote the time and it’s preparation.

“If I’m doing a job I’ll give it 100% and that job gets my absolute focus and everything else goes to the side.

“Then that job is finished, I’ll concentrate on the next job.”

Beat The Chasers is on ITV1 at 9pm tonight (August 30).

Bradley Walsh Makes an Entrance | This Morning

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

Related Topics