ANDREW O’KEEFE requests more time off THE CHASE as Mental Health Issues continue

The Seven Network has confirmed filming of the popular quiz show The Chase has again been suspended, with host Andrew O’Keefe requesting more time to deal with emotional issues.

Filming was due to commence The Chase in Melbourne this week; however, sources have now indicated to the Herald-Sun filming would be “delayed again – this time by months.”

This latest production break becomes the third time O’Keefe has requested time away from the top rating quiz in the last 12 months.

In April of last year, O’Keefe took an eight-week break after suffering an ’emotional collapse’ at the same time as his marriage ended.

Filming of The Chase then wrapped three weeks earlier than expected at the end of 2019 after the host requested a break so he could concentrate on his Johnny O’Keefe stage tour.

In a statement provided to the Herald-Sun yesterday, a spokesperson for Seven stated:

“Production on The Chase is to be held over for a couple of months,”.

“Andrew O’Keefe is taking time to manage and recover from a health issue.

“The Chase continues 5pm weekdays on Seven unaffected by this delay.”

With the commencement of the 2020 ratings season, Seven has recommenced airing new episodes of The Chase from today, however, repeat episodes will now be broadcast on Thursday’s and Fridays.

One source has indicated to TV Blackbox the network has a stockpile of approximately 50 new episodes yet to air. However, it’s believed new episodes featuring Mark Labbett (The Beast) are now in short supply.

In an interview with Sunrise last year, O’Keefe spoke of the issues in his life:

“When I split up from my wife Eleanor, that was my time,”

“The thing I always believed in most in this life was the power of love and combining with someone to make something special. When I lost that I thought, ‘well, it’s all meaningless’.”

“In those times we have several choices about how we deal with things and sometimes we rely on things that aren’t so great for us.”

“Sometimes, people turn to work and work their way through their pain, or they turn to drugs or eating.”

“I just feel very lucky that in this country we have the professionals and expertise to deal with those things if you think it’s getting on top of you.”