ANDREW O’KEEFE responds to false reports regarding personal health issues

After a week of confusion and misinformation, the Seven Network has provided some clarity regarding the production schedule for hit game show The Chase, and its host Andrew O’Keefe.

Last Sunday morning, an article appeared in The Herald-Sun indicating filming was ready to commence on a new season of the quiz. However, within hours of publication, the story was hastily adjusted to advise filming had been “delayed again – this time by months.”

Included in the updated Herald-Sun story was a quote from Seven advising, 

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

Well, apparently all that was news to the star himself! 

While O’Keefe has been open and honest about his personal issues with depression in the past, TV Blackbox is happy to report the popular presenter is actually in great form and eager to return to work.

TV Blackbox can now confirm production on The Chase was in fact rescheduled due to the massive slate of new content currently under production by the networks production arm, Seven Studio’s. Crews are believed to be working overtime producing new content ahead of a network relaunch timed to coincide with the Olympic games.

Speaking about the false reporting regarding his personal health, O’Keefe said;

“These things happen, and it came as a bit of a surprise to me as I’m fit and ready to film. 

“I’m not in the least ashamed to admit I’ve struggled at times over the last year with issues around my mental health, but thanks to the excellent support of friends, family and expert clinical practitioners, I’m in a very good place at the moment.

“It’s day by day in these matters, but isn’t that life all over? “We can never take our physical or mental well-being for granted because in truth, they’re gifts to be nurtured every moment.”

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.

A new production date for The Chase will be announced soon. The network is currently only airing new episodes three nights per week, with repeats being broadcast on Thursdays and Fridays. 

TV Blackbox understands 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.

Commenting on the recent production setback, a spokesperson for Seven stated;

“There are many decisions and considerations to be made when we are about to head into a lengthy production phase. Our decision to hold over the start of production was based on factors beyond the health of our host”