Bradley Walsh is now the second best paid presenter in the UK, after signing a six-figure deal to host ‘Blankety Blank’.
The iconic British television show – which was previously hosted by TV legends including Terry Wogan, Paul O’Grady (as Lily Savage), and Les Dawson – is making its return to screens and new accounts show that Bradley’s hosting stint is bringing him in an extra £2 million to his company.
His Wingit Productions accounts show an increase to £11.5million, from £9.5million in the 12 months preceding. His son Barney, 22, and wife Donna, are listed as director and secretary of the firm, so will too get a cut.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column: "Bradley regularly polls internally as one of ITV’s most liked stars. Viewers adore him, and he can turn his hand to pretty much any form of broadcasting. When it comes to taking on new work, he can basically name his price."
Bradley is only behind TV presenting duo Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, whose companies – Hurley Promotions and Mitre Television – earned them £8.6million last year.
Earlier this month, it was revealed Bradley was a favourite to host the game show when it returned to screens.
The insider said: "’Blankety Blank’ was massive for the BBC and revisiting it seemed like a great idea in the current climate. Bradley is the favourite to be the new host but bosses behind the reboot also have discussed Paddy McGuinness and Rylan Clark as potential hosts. A pilot is being filmed later this year and if it’s a success, it’ll go on to become a new series.
"Everyone is confident it’ll be a hit and it’s a perfect fit for Saturday night. It’s likely to nab a primetime spot and cash will be pumped into the series if it does go ahead. Plans are still being worked on and the presenter has yet to be set in stone, as well as who’ll make up the first celebrity panel but it’s all very exciting. There is a hunger for fun, family programming and nostalgia seems to be a winner every time."