London, UK – June 04, 2025, 05:29 AM BST – Bradley Walsh, the beloved host of ITV’s The Chase, has shared a heartwarming update about his family, revealing the sweet nickname his grandchild has given him during a recent episode of the quiz show. The 65-year-old presenter, who became a grandfather in 2021 when his daughter Hayley welcomed a son, delighted fans with the personal anecdote, showcasing his softer side amidst the show’s competitive banter.
During the filming of The Chase on June 03, 2025, Walsh, who has hosted the show since 2009, paused between rounds to share the story with contestants and Chaser Anne “The Governess” Hegerty. “My grandson, who’s four now, has started calling me ‘Quizzy Pop’,” Walsh beamed, explaining that the nickname emerged after the toddler saw him on TV and linked his granddad’s quizmaster role to a playful twist on “Grandpop.” The revelation prompted laughter in the studio, with Hegerty quipping, “Quizzy Pop suits you better than ‘The Chase’ host!” The episode, set to air next week, has already sparked buzz after snippets were shared on ITV’s Instagram.
Walsh, who shares Hayley, 39, with ex-partner Debby Parker, first announced his grandfather status in a 2021 Saga magazine interview, praising FaceTime for keeping them connected during lockdown. He also has a son, Barney, 27, with wife Donna Derby, with whom he co-hosts Gladiators on BBC. The Breaking Dad star, known for his cheeky humor, had previously joked about feeding his grandson ice cream and Coca-Cola to playfully rile up Hayley and her husband Tom, but “Quizzy Pop” marks a tender milestone as the child grows. Walsh’s joy aligns with his family-focused values, evident in his 2024 comments to Mirror Online about cherishing time with loved ones amidst The Chase’s 15-year milestone.
Fans flooded social media under #QuizzyPop, with reactions like, “Bradley as Quizzy Pop is the cutest thing ever!” and “Love how he lights up talking about his grandson—best granddad!” Colleagues joined in, with The Chase Chaser Mark “The Beast” Labbett posting on X, “Quizzy Pop—I’ll be teasing Brad with that one!” ITV shared a statement: “Bradley’s family joy brings a special warmth to The Chase—we’re thrilled for him.” The show, averaging 3 million viewers daily, continues to cement Walsh’s status as a national treasure.
With a net worth of £19.9 million per 2023 Daily Mail reports, Walsh recently invested £400,000 in land near the M25, but his true wealth shines in these family moments. As he balances hosting duties on The Chase and Blankety Blank, Walsh’s “Quizzy Pop” reveal has endeared him further to fans, proving that even after 15 years on air, his greatest joy comes from the little ones cheering him on at home.