Why Andrew O’Keefe’s domestic assault case means The Chase winners could be denied prize money

Channel Seven officially confirmed Larry Emdur as the new host of The Chase Australia on Sunday, weeks after former host Andrew O’Keefe was axed over domestic violence charges. 

But questions are still swirling about how the network will deal with The Chase winners whose episodes haven’t aired yet.  

According to The Australian Media Diary, the network currently has a sizable backlog of pre-recorded episodes featuring former host Andrew.

Up in the air: Questions are swirling about whether Channel Seven will axe pre-recorded episodes of The Chase featuring ex-host Andrew O’Keefe (pictured), and, if so, what will happen to the winners’ prize money 

As Larry is preparing to start filming his first episodes next month, network bosses are reportedly ‘grappling’ with whether to air Andrew’s un-aired catalogue or episodes – or to simply bin them. 

Given the bad publicity surrounding Andrew’s recent domestic violence charge, it seems likely that the network would elect to scrap Andrew’s pre-recorded episodes altogether.   

However, simply deciding not to air these episodes could spell disaster for the  winning contestants, as TV game show contracts generally state that networks don’t have to give out prize money to contestants whose episodes never made it to air.

Change: As The Chase's new host Larry Emdur (pictured) prepares to start filming his first episodes next month, network bosses are reportedly 'grappling' with whether to air Andrew's un-aired catalogue or episodes - or to simply bin them

Change: As The Chase’s new host Larry Emdur (pictured) prepares to start filming his first episodes next month, network bosses are reportedly ‘grappling’ with whether to air Andrew’s un-aired catalogue or episodes – or to simply bin them 

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Seven for comment.  

It comes after Larry spoke of his delight after being named as Andrew’s replacement on The Chase over the weekend.   

‘I’ve had a love affair with quiz shows for most of my working life, and the opportunity to host one of the TV world’s greatest formats is incredibly exciting,’ Larry told The Daily Telegraph.

Questions: Axing these episodes could be disastrous for previous winners whose episodes haven't yet been aired. This is because TV game show contracts generally state that networks don't have to give out prize money to contestants whose episodes never made it to air

Questions: Axing these episodes could be disastrous for previous winners whose episodes haven’t yet been aired. This is because TV game show contracts generally state that networks don’t have to give out prize money to contestants whose episodes never made it to air 

Larry – who will keep his ‘dream job’ on The Morning Show alongside Kylie Gillies – also spoke out about Andrew’s departure from the show. 

‘It’s a tumultuous time, but shows move on and productions move on and over the years many hosts have been replaced with many other hosts,’ he said. 

‘It’s happened very quickly. There’s no doubt about it, there’s lots of focus on it, but in keeping with what the network wants me to do, I have to aim for the blue sky and look forward.’

Moving on: Larry confirmed he has been named The Chase Australia's new host on Sunday, weeks after the departure of the show's previous presenter Andrew, who was dumped by the network over domestic violence charges

Moving on: Larry confirmed he has been named The Chase Australia’s new host on Sunday, weeks after the departure of the show’s previous presenter Andrew, who was dumped by the network over domestic violence charges 

Larry was approached by the network three weeks ago, and wowed bosses with his audition. His first episodes are set to air after Easter.

He was said to have won the part over a string of other popular stars, including Rove McManus, Merrick Watts and Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac.

Production will move from Melbourne to Sydney, making it the perfect fit for Larry to remain on The Morning Show.

Natural fit: Larry formerly hosted The Price Is Right on and off for over eight years, and also fronted Cash Bonanza and Wheel of Fortune

Natural fit: Larry formerly hosted The Price Is Right on and off for over eight years, and also fronted Cash Bonanza and Wheel of Fortune

Seven’s Network Programming Director, Angus Ross, said: ‘Everyone at Seven is delighted that Larry has agreed to take on this new role. Australians love Larry. Australians love the show. Together they are the perfect combination.’

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.   

Channel Seven dumped Andrew after he was accused of assaulting his doctor girlfriend Orly Lavee in late January. 

'Dream job': Production will move from Melbourne to Sydney, making it the perfect fit for Larry to remain on The Morning Show alongside Kylie Gillies (pictured)

‘Dream job’: Production will move from Melbourne to Sydney, making it the perfect fit for Larry to remain on The Morning Show alongside Kylie Gillies (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 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

Parted ways: Seven 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'

Parted ways: Seven 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’