Larry Emdur is the ‘clear frontrunner’ to replace Andrew O’Keefe on The Chase

Larry Emdur is the ‘clear frontrunner’ to replace Andrew O’Keefe on The Chase with an ‘announcement imminent’ after host was dumped over domestic violence charges

Larry Emdur is understood to be the clear frontrunner to replace Andrew O’Keefe on The Chase, after the host was dumped over domestic violence charges.

According to TV Blackbox’s Robert McKnight on Sunday, ‘sources at Seven are adamant’ The Morning Show host has the gig, with an announcement to be made as early as Monday morning. 

Larry, 56, reportedly attended ‘closed-door meetings’ this week, and it’s understood that he will balance The Morning Show with his new role as host of The Chase. 

Seven’s choice? Larry Emdur (pictured) is the ‘clear frontrunner’ to replace Andrew O’Keefe on The Chase with an ‘announcement imminent’, after the 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. 

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. 

Reports: According to TV Blackbox's Robert McKnight on Sunday, the 56-year-old attended 'closed-door meetings' at Seven this week, and it's understood that he will balance The Morning Show with his new role as host of The Chase. Pictured with Kylie Gillies

Reports: According to TV Blackbox’s Robert McKnight on Sunday, the 56-year-old attended ‘closed-door meetings’ at Seven this week, and it’s understood that he will balance The Morning Show with his new role as host of The Chase. Pictured with Kylie Gillies 

Axed: Andrew O'Keefe, 49, has been axed by Channel Seven following an alleged domestic violence incident. Pictured in March 2019

Axed: Andrew O’Keefe, 49, has been axed by Channel Seven following an alleged domestic violence incident. Pictured in March 2019

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Seven for comment. 

Following Andrew’s departure from the quiz show, viewers and industry observers have been speculating as to who could replace the embattled host in 2021.

Alongside Larry, other names to have emerged as possibilities for the top job when production resumes later this year, include Grant Denyer and Natasha Exelby.  

Channel Seven dumped host Andrew O’Keefe, 49, after he was accused of assaulting his doctor girlfriend Orly Lavee last week.    

Accused: Andrew was accused of assaulting his doctor girlfriend Orly Lavee last week. He was charged with common assault (domestic violence related), and was granted conditional bail. Pictured in March 2019

Accused: Andrew was accused of assaulting his doctor girlfriend Orly Lavee last week. He was charged with common assault (domestic violence related), and was granted conditional bail. Pictured in March 2019

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. 

A source close to Andrew previously told News Corp that the star was receiving medical treatment in the wake of the events.

‘Andrew is receiving medical treatment in the wake of the incident,’ the source was quoted. ‘He will be defending the charge.’  

Popular: Following Andrew's departure from the quiz show, viewers and industry observers have been speculating as to who could replace the embattled host in 2021. Alongside Larry, other names to have emerged as possibilities include Grant Denyer (pictured)

Popular: Following Andrew’s departure from the quiz show, viewers and industry observers have been speculating as to who could replace the embattled host in 2021. Alongside Larry, other names to have emerged as possibilities include Grant Denyer (pictured) 

His solicitor, Claudette Chua, appeared briefly at a court in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Thursday to defend the star from claims he assaulted Orly last week. 

Seven confirmed this week 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. 

Could she score the job? Natasha Exelby could also be in line for the gig. A female TV host would make a welcome change to the male dominated world of game show hosts

Could she score the job? Natasha Exelby could also be in line for the gig. A female TV host would make a welcome change to the male dominated world of game show hosts