The Chase host Andrew O’Keefe was dumped by Channel Seven earlier this week, following an alleged domestic violence incident.
And following his departure from the Australian quiz show, viewers and industry observers have begun to speculate who could replace the embattled host in 2021.
Larry Emdur, 56, Grant Denyer, 43, and Natasha Exelby, 37, have all emerged as potential candidates for the top job when production resumes later this year.
As the rumour mill goes into overdrive, Daily Mail Australia looks at all the potential candidates who could bag the job.
LARRY EMDUR
Who will replace Andrew O’Keefe on The Chase? Larry Edmur (pictured), Grant Denyer and Natasha Exelby emerge as fronrunners after longtime host was dumped over domestic violence charges
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.
Axed: The Chase host Andrew O’Keefe was axed by Channel Seven earlier this week, following an alleged domestic violence incident. Pictured in March 2019
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.
Plus, hes already on Seven’s payroll as he hosts The Morning Show alongside Kylie Gillies.
GRANT DENYER
Popular: Grant Denyer has proved he’s adored by the nation, after coming second in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! just last week
Hosting duties: He also hosted Dancing With The Stars, which 10 announced would not be returning this year
Grant Denyer has proved he’s adored by the nation, after coming second in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! just last week.
And it appears he might have some free time, as Channel 10 reportedly axed his popular game show Celebrity Name Game this week.
He also hosted Dancing With The Stars, which 10 announced would not be returning this year.
Grant himself has won awards for his presenting skills, winning the Logie Award for the Most Popular Presenter back in 2018, while his show Family Feud nabbed the silver in 2016.
NATASHA EXELBY
Could she score the job? Natasha Exelby could be in line for the gig. A female TV host would make a welcome change to the male dominated world of game show hosts
A female TV host would make a welcome change to the male dominated world of game show hosts.
She’s particularly outspoken, only recently being yanked off-air on Studio 10 for telling host Sarah Harris that she wasn’t a fan of her dress.
She also hit headlines back in 2017, after she was caught daydreaming during alive broadcast on ABC News.
She’s no stranger to starring on entertainment shows, either – as much like Grant, she appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – but came in seventh place.
SAM MAC
From weatherman to fulltime host? Another Channel Seven favourite, Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac is definitely a proven performer – and a hosting gig could help move his career in another direction
Another Channel Seven favourite, the Sunrise weatherman is definitely a proven performer – and a hosting gig could help move his career in another direction.
He’s been known for his cheeky and spontaneous antics on the show, and more recently his joking ‘on-air feud’ with Sam Armytage.
It was reported in December that Sam is said to be so popular among senior management at Seven that they have big plans for him in the future – including possibly taking on a more important role at Sunrise one day.
Or, perhaps, one of the biggest game shows in Australia.
MARK HUMPHRIES
Could he take it out? The Chase could be Mark Humphries’ big chance to redeem himself
The Chase was originally a British TV show, as was Pointless – which Mark himself hosted from July 2018 – 2019.
While the 10 show didn’t quite kick off as it did back in the UK, The Chase could be Mark’s big chance to redeem himself.
He’s also been branded one of the funniest people on Aussie TV, thanks to his work on comedy series The Feed and on SBS Viceland’s nightly news.
JAMES TOBIN
Familiar face: Another one of Seven’s golden boys, James is currently the weather presenter on Weekend Sunrise and a reporter on Sunrise
Another one of Seven’s golden boys, James is currently the weather presenter on Weekend Sunrise and a reporter on Sunrise.
In the past he’s worked on Nickelodeon Australia’s Saturday Nick Television and has an huge amount of radio experience under his belt.
He’s no stranger to hosting shows either, as in 2013 he fronted the show Beauty and the Geek.
Channel Seven dumped host Andrew O’Keefe after he was accused of assaulting his doctor girlfriend Orly Lavee on Saturday night.
He was charged with common assault (domestic violence related).
Dumped: Channel Seven dumped host Andrew O’Keefe after he was accused of assaulting his doctor girlfriend Orly Lavee on Saturday night
He was granted conditional bail and banned from approaching Dr Lavee under the terms of a provisional apprehended violence order.
A source close to O’Keefe previously told News Corp that the star was receiving medical treatment in the wake of the weekend’s events.
‘Andrew is receiving medical treatment in the wake of the incident,’ the source was quoted saying.
‘He will be defending the charge.’
O’Keefe’s solicitor, Claudette Chua, appeared briefly at a court in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Thursday to defend the star from claims he assaulted girlfriend Dr Orlee Lavee on Saturday evening.
‘I have had the opportunity to review the facts of the matter and I will say this: Mr O’Keefe certainly was not the aggressor in this situation and Dr Lavee will have a lot to answer for,’ Ms Chau said outside court.
Seven confirmed this week that his The Chase contract wasn’t renewed at the end of last year and O’Keefe is ‘no longer with the network’.
The case was adjourned for until January 18.
For confidential crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. For domestic violence support, call 1800 RESPECT. Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467.