Mark Labbett wades into Million Pound Shot controversy as fans question Bradley Walsh The Chase ties

In a statement shared after the show, Mr Walsh, 66, thanked viewers for tuning in while adding: “This is a vital subject and that’s exactly why I wanted to do it.”

And while much of the reaction the show faced centred on the abandonment of the quiz show format for an examination of gambling companies’ methods, conversation online also turned to Mr Walsh’s role on the programme.

Mr Walsh has been the face of ITV quiz show The Chase since its inception in 2009. For the past nine years, the teatime programme has been sponsored by bingo, casino, and gaming site, Gala.

That fact wasn’t lost on critics at home, and it even prompted Mr Walsh’s Chase co-star Mr Labbett to address the concerns.

“Bradley Walsh hosts this big anti-gambling ad… and so tune into ITV to see him again tomorrow on the Chase sponsored by… whatever Bingo company sponsors it these days! #millionpoundshot,” one X user penned. (sic)

Mr Labbett replied to the user with a sad emoji, as well as the verdict: “Harsh but fair.”

The connection to The Chase’s sponsor didn’t go unnoticed elsewhere either. “I guess Bradley Walsh will be donating his millions made from The Chase, which has a long-standing sponsorship with *checks notes* Gala Bingo… #millionpoundshot,” one viewer critiqued. (sic)

A second concurred: “Bradley Walsh and Channel 4 presenting an anti-gambling stunt in prob the strangest TV ep I’ve ever seen. Tune in tomorrow though to watch The Chase sponsored by Gala Bingo where players are offered incentives for increased risk oh and Channel 4 for gambling ads #millionpoundshot.” (sic)

GB News has contacted ITV, Channel 4, and Mr Walsh’s representatives for comment.

The criticism was far from universal, however. Several other viewers defended Channel 4’s decision for Mr Walsh to be the face of the show.

One X user argued: “#MillionPoundShot Yes, Bradley Walsh hosts a show sponsored by Gala Bingo, but his show tonight wasn’t calling for the abolition of the gambling industry; it was making people aware of the dangers and how it works. It was public service TV not a campaign for prohibition.”

And the Coalition to End Gambling Ads similarly praised Mr Walsh and Channel 4’s efforts. “Bradley Walsh’s Million Pound Shot on C4 depicts the anguish felt by so many people who are lured into highly addictive forms of gambling. It should be a wake-up call to the government to end all gambling ads,” it said.

“Thank you #millionpoundshot for making the people harmed by the predatory practices of the online casino industry feel seen.”

Elsewhere, Mr Walsh’s co-star’s gripes with Million Pound Shot didn’t end there, with The Beast appearing to take aim at the acting on display as well as the impact of the show as a whole.

During the opening moments of the show, prior to the twist, one fan was unconvinced by the scenes unfolding. “These contestants are giving actor #millionpoundshot #bradleywalsh #channel4,” they penned.

Mr Labbett was similarly unconvinced, jibing at the display: “I know what you mean.”

The twist also seemed to fail to have any sort of profound impact on the champion quizzer. He posted on X that he’d have rather witnessed an actual quiz show.

“Interesting show but wished they had actually made a good new quiz show #millionpoundshot,” he typed.

Rather than criticise or comment on the live audience’s behaviour, most of whom were unsuspecting participants in the game show, Mr Labbett instead suggested they’d be unhappy about being duped.

“Also wondered how audience felt about spending hours on a fake show #millionpoundshot,” he penned. (sic)

On Gala’s website, several gambling controls are in place for its customers. Spending controls, time management tools, self-exclusion options, budget calculators, and self-assessment tools are all available.

Users are also able to track their profit and loss, as well as set net deposit and loss limits.