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Bradley Walsh to host new series of classic game show 'Blankety Blank'

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24:  Bradley Walsh attends the Doctor Who Premiere Screening at The Light Cinema on September 24, 2018 in Sheffield, England.  (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Bradley Walsh (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Bradley Walsh is to host a new series of hit 80s game show Blankety Blank.

The Chase star said he “jumped at the chance” to join the reboot of the much-loved programme, which originally aired from 1979 to 1990 and was hosted by late stars Sir Terry Wogan and Les Dawson.

It comes after he hosted a Christmas special of the show last year, which saw 6.3 million viewers tuning in.

Read more: Bradley Walsh hosts Blankety Blank Christmas special

Walsh said in a statement: “I struggle to remember the last time I laughed as much as when I was filming Blankety Blank - so when they asked if I’d be up for doing a series, I jumped at the chance. I’m just so pleased I get to be a part of it.

“I stand on the shoulders of giants like Les Dawson and Sir Terry Wogan but I’m hoping to put my own stamp on the fantastically nostalgic show.”

Blankety Blank sees a panel of six celebrities trying to fill in the missing blanks over a series of rounds.

The new series is set to air on BBC One on Saturday nights, and will see the return of the distinctive theme tune as well as the iconic Blankety Blank cheque book and pen.

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Sir Terry Wogan on Blankety Blank (BBC)

Kate Phillips, director of entertainment at the BBC, said: “Blankety Blank has it all - ridiculous questions, unpredictable celebrities, bizarre prizes and, in Bradley a very funny and much loved host.

"I can’t wait for everyone to watch and start filling in those blanks!”

Read more: Bradley Walsh is going to be a grandad as his daughter announces pregnancy

Thames managing director Amelia Brown said “to be able to team this legendary format with the legend that is Bradley Walsh in a series, is so exciting and a match made in heaven”.

English comedian Les Dawson smiling, 1977. (Photo by Tony Evans/Getty Images)
Les Dawson (Getty Images)

Blankety Blank started in 1979 with Sir Terry at the helm. Dawson took over in 1984 and fronted the game show until 1990.