ITV's The Chase star drops concerning update on show future amid budget cuts as they admit cast are 'worried'
Anne Hegerty explained how The Chase is being hit by ITV budget cuts
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The Chase star Anne Hegerty has admitted she is "worried" about the future of the quiz show as ITV makes budget cuts.
The channel has reportedly been forced to cut the number of episodes being filmed next year due to finances, with Hegerty, 66, opening up on shows feelings "the pinch".
Hegerty, who is known on the show as The Governess, reflected on the cuts being made by ITV as she talked about the impact of streaming services and financial cuts.
"We have plans for next year and we are doing fewer shows. All the streaming services are carrying adverts now," she detailed.
Speaking to The Star, the quizzing expert continued: "So channels like ITV are having to compete for advertising money. It means there is less money from adverts."
Adding that the strain was being felt globally, she remarked: "Every aspect of the media is feeling the pinch right now."
Anne Hegerty explained how The Chase is being hit by ITV budget cuts
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Addressing how some shows are being axed, she told the publication: "Obviously, one is always a little bit worried and one is always glad to hear there will be more episodes."
She went on state she doesn't want to "imagine life without" the show, which has been on air since 2009.
Hosted by Bradley Walsh, 64, The Chase has made household names out of the quizzers.
Mark Labbett, 58, recently had to take to social media to deny using Ozempic to shed 10 stone, explaining he had instead made huge lifestyle changes.
Anne Hegerty has starred on The Chase since it first aired in 2009
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The drug has become widely talked about, particularly since TV personality Sharon Osbourne explained she'd used it to lose weight before going on to admit she felt she had lost too much and was unable to put weight back on.
Taking to social media recently, Labbett posted a snap of himself preparing to eat a healthy meal consisting of steak, tomatoes and rocket.
He penned: "Having a sneaky Steak and Chips at Seasons Restaurant. Protein loading."
Some fans began discussing Labbett's weight loss in the comments, with one writing: "You look so slim!!!"
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The Chase star Anne Hegerty admitted she is "worried" about the ITV show's future
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The quizzer responded: "10 stone lighter love," before another person chimed: "Ozempic for the win."
"Nope. Would take it if prescribed it," Labbett replied on X, quashing speculation he had lied about how he shed the weight.
Earlier this year, Labbett also explained on GB News how a last minute decision changed ITV's The Chase forever.