The Chase star Anne Hegerty has opened up about the future of the hit ITV quiz show after reports claimed production had been put on hold. In April, claims emerged that no new episodes would be filmed for at least 12 months.
It was reported that Anne, alongside fellow chasers Mark Labbett, Shaun Wallace, Paul Sinha, Jenny Ryan and Darragh Ennis, had been notified of plans to broadcast repeats rather than record fresh episodes.
However, Anne - known to audiences as The Governess - seems to have quashed those rumours. Speaking to Woman Magazine, she disclosed that she and her co-stars, together with host Bradley Walsh, are set to resume filming shortly.
"We are filming again in around three weeks and we've got lots more shows in the bag," she told Woman Magazine.
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The 67-year-old also disclosed that a fresh spin-off, The Chase Around The World, is currently in development.
A synopsis for the programme reads: "This brand-new six-part series sees six pairs of contestants attempt to track down the biggest brains in Britain - all six of The Chasers - in undisclosed locations around the globe.
"Unravelling puzzles along the way, the winning pair will pit their knowledge against The Chasers in order to win a life-changing prize pot."
Reflecting on the programme's enduring success, Anne added: "It was June 2009 when the show started, so it's nearly 17 years now and everyone has been saying for ages that it's probably got about five more years to go, but they just keep saying it. I reckon that we're doing all right."
Addressing rumours that production had been halted, an ITV spokesperson confirmed: "The Chase has just finished recording series 19, which completes its recording schedule for this year.
"ITV continue to air The Chase as usual, with a combination of new and repeat episodes across the year. With over 2.5 million viewers per show, The Chase remains one of the nation's most loved quiz shows.
"There is also a new Beat the Chasers for 2026 and a brand new spin-off series: The Chase Around the World coming soon."
Bradley, who has presented the programme since its inception, also discussed the forthcoming spin-off, explaining: "This brand-new six-part series sees six pairs of contestants attempt to track down the biggest brains in Britain - all six of The Chasers - in undisclosed locations around the globe.
"Unravelling puzzles along the way, the winning pair will pit their knowledge against The Chasers in order to win a life-changing prize pot."
The Chase airs weekdays from 5pm on ITV and ITVX.
