Channel Seven confirmed Larry Emdur as the new host of The Chase on Sunday, weeks after former host Andrew O’Keefe was axed over a domestic violence charge.
But the question still remains as to whether or not winning contestants from O’Keefe’s bank of unaired episodes will receive their prize money.
As reported by The Australian, Seven has a backlog of pre-recorded shows featuring O’Keefe and it’s unclear if they will ever see the light of day.
Twist: Here’s why Andrew O’Keefe’s (pictured) domestic assault case means The Chase winners could be denied their prize money
As Emdur prepares to film his first episodes next month, network bosses are said to be ‘grappling’ with the decision over whether to air O’Keefe’s unaired catalogue of episodes or to simply bin them.
Given the bad publicity surrounding O’Keefe’s recent domestic violence charge, it’s possible the network may scrap his last batch of pre-recorded shows altogether.
But not airing these episodes could spell disaster for the winning contestants, as TV game show contracts typically state that networks and/or production companies are not obliged to give prize money to contestants whose episodes never make it to air.
Change: Seven has a backlog of pre-recorded shows featuring O’Keefe and it’s unclear if they will ever see the light of day now he’s been replaced by Larry Emdur (pictured)
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment.
It comes after Emdur spoke of his delight after being named as O’Keefe’s replacement on The Chase over the weekend.
‘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,’ Emdur said.
Questions: Not airing O’Keefe’s last episodes could spell disaster for the winning contestants, as television game show contracts typically state that networks and/or production companies are not obliged to give prize money to contestants whose episodes never make it to air
Emdur, who will keep his ‘dream job’ on The Morning Show alongside Kylie Gillies, also spoke about O’Keefe’s departure from the show.
‘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 said.
‘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.’
Moving on: Emdur confirmed he was The Chase’s new host on Sunday, weeks after the departure of former presenter O’Keefe, who was dumped by Seven over his domestic violence charge. Pictured outside court for an unrelated matter on March 4, 2019
Emdur was approached by the network three weeks ago, and wowed bosses with his audition. His first episodes are set to air after Easter.
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 Emdur to remain on The Morning Show.
Natural fit: Emdur formerly hosted The Price Is Right on and off for eight years, and also fronted Cash Bonanza and Wheel of Fortune
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, Emdur 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 eight years, and also fronted Cash Bonanza and Wheel of Fortune.
Channel Seven dumped O’Keefe after he was accused of assaulting his girlfriend, Dr Orly Lavee, in late January.
‘Dream job’: Production will move from Melbourne to Sydney, making it the perfect fit for Emdur to remain on The Morning Show alongside Kylie Gillies (right)
He was charged with common assault (domestic violence related), and was granted conditional bail and banned from approaching Dr Lavee under the terms of a provisional apprehended violence order.
O’Keefe is now an involuntary patient at a Sydney hospital following the charges.
Seven confirmed that O’Keefe’s contract wasn’t renewed at the end of last year and that he was ‘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 O’Keefe’s contract wasn’t renewed at the end of last year and that he was ‘no longer with the network’