Larry Emdur is ‘soon to be officially named’ as the new host of The Chase – after Andrew O’Keefe was dumped over domestic violence charges
Larry Emdur looks set to ‘be officially named’ as Andrew O’Keefe’s replacement on The Chase, after the host was dumped over domestic violence charges.
According to The Daily Telegraph on Saturday, it’s just a matter of time before Seven makes the announcement.
The publication claimed that moving production from Melbourne to Sydney helped Larry to land the gig, with the 56-year-old hosting The Morning Show in Sydney.
Next in line? According to The Daily Telegraph on Saturday, Larry Emdur (pictured) is ‘soon to be officially named’ as the new host of Channel Seven’s The Chase – after Andrew O’Keefe was dumped over domestic violence charges
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Seven for comment.
Rumours have been swirling that Larry is the clear frontrunner to replace Andrew.
Last week, TV Blackbox’s Robert McKnight claimed that ‘sources at Seven are adamant’ Larry has the gig.
According to the publication, Larry attended ‘closed-door meetings’, and will balance The Morning Show with his new role as host of The Chase.
Reports: The publication claimed that moving production from Melbourne to Sydney helped Larry to land the gig, with the 56-year-old hosting The Morning Show in Sydney
Indeed, Larry appears to be a natural fit for the role and has the résumé to prove it.
The presenter formerly hosted The Price Is Right on and off for over eight years, and also fronted Cash Bonanza and Wheel of Fortune.
He’s also been a temporary host for It Takes Two, and has filled in for Andrew O’Keefe himself on Weekend Sunrise and David Koch on Sunrise.
Rumour mill: Just last week, TV Blackbox’s Robert McKnight claimed that ‘sources at Seven are adamant’ Larry has the gig. Pictured with his The Morning Show co-host Kylie Gillies
Axed: Andrew O’Keefe, 49, has been axed by Channel Seven following an alleged domestic violence incident. Pictured in March 2019
Following Andrew’s departure from the quiz show, viewers and industry observers have been speculating as to who could replace the embattled host in 2021.
Alongside Larry, other names to have emerged as possibilities for the top job when production resumes later this year, include Grant Denyer and Natasha Exelby.
Channel Seven dumped Andrew, 49, after he was accused of assaulting his doctor girlfriend Orly Lavee in late January.
Accused: Andrew was accused of assaulting his doctor girlfriend Orly Lavee in late January. He was charged with common assault (domestic violence related). Pictured in March 2019
Popular: Following Andrew’s departure from the quiz show, viewers and industry observers have been speculating as to who could replace the embattled host in 2021. Alongside Larry, other names to have emerged as possibilities include Grant Denyer (pictured)
He was charged with common assault (domestic violence related), and was granted conditional bail and banned from approaching Orly under the terms of a provisional apprehended violence order.
Andrew is now an involuntary patient at a Sydney hospital following the charges.
Seven has confirmed that Andrew’s The Chase contract wasn’t renewed at the end of last year and that he is ‘no longer with the network’.
For confidential crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. For domestic violence support, call 1800 RESPECT. Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467.
Female lead? Natasha Exelby could also be in line for the gig. A female TV host would make a welcome change to the male dominated world of game show hosts
Parted ways: Seven has confirmed that Andrew’s The Chase contract wasn’t renewed at the end of last year and that he is ‘no longer with the network’