Larry Emdur is CONFIRMED as the new host of The Chase and speaks out over Andrew O’Keefe’s departure

Larry Emdur is CONFIRMED as the new host of The Chase and speaks out on Andrew O’Keefe’s departure after he was dumped from the show over domestic violence charges

Larry Emdur has been officially confirmed as the new host of Seven’s top-rated afternoon game show, The Chase.

The 56-year-old confirmed the news on Sunday, following the departure of the show’s previous presenter Andrew O’Keefe – who was dumped by the network over domestic violence charges.

Larry is said to be delighted with the new role, saying: ‘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.’

Change: Larry Emdur has been officially confirmed as the new host of Seven’s top-rated afternoon game show, The Chase

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

He told The Daily Telegraph: ‘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 three weeks ago, and wowed bosses with his audition. His first episodes are set to air after Easter.

Moving on: The 56-year-old confirmed the news on Sunday to The Daily Telegraph, following the departure of the show's previous presenter Andrew O'Keefe (pictured) who was dumped by the network over domestic violence charges

Moving on: The 56-year-old confirmed the news on Sunday to The Daily Telegraph, following the departure of the show’s previous presenter Andrew O’Keefe (pictured) who was dumped by the network over domestic violence charges

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.’

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.

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

'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’