Larry Emdur will take over as the host of The Chase Australia in 2021 following Andrew O’Keefe’s recent axing from the role.
On Friday, the 56-year-old TV host showed fans just how he was preparing for the new game show gig.
Larry shared a photo of himself with the quiz show’s official board game and accompanying cards from his lakeside home in Berowra Waters.
Getting ready! Larry Emdur showed fans how he has been preparing for The Chase Australia as he takes over hosting duties following Andrew O’Keefe’s departure from quiz show. Pictured is Larry with his wife Sylvie
‘Hard Prepping,’ the TV veteran joked in the caption of his Instagram post.
Larry was confirmed as the new host of Seven’s top-rated afternoon game show, The Chase, last month, after the show’s previous presenter, Andrew O’Keefe, was dumped by the network after a domestic violence charge was brought against him.
Larry told The Daily Telegraph: ‘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.’
The TV presenter – who will keep his ‘dream job’ on The Morning Show alongside Kylie Gillies – also spoke out about Andrew’s departure from the show.
Learning the ropes? On Friday, the 56-year-old shared a photo of himself with the quiz show’s official board game and the accompanying cards, from his lakeside home in Berowra Waters. ‘Hard Prepping,’ the TV veteran joked in the caption of his Instagram post
Former host: Larry was confirmed as the new host of Seven’s top-rated afternoon game show, The Chase, last month, after the show’s previous presenter Andrew O’Keefe (pictured) was dumped by the network over domestic violence charges
He said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Larry was approached by the network last month, and wowed bosses with his audition. His first episodes are set to air after Easter.
Moving forward: He said of Andrew’s departure: ‘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 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.
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.’
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
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, 49, 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)
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.
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’