Jocelyn FanonBradley Walsh, 64, is back in the spotlight this March 2026 — and not just for hosting The Chase. The beloved TV presenter and his son Barney have just announced that BBC's Gladiators has been renewed for a third series plus a brand-new Celebrity special, filming this year at Sheffield Arena. With 5.3 million average viewers and BBC's top-rated Saturday night slot on iPlayer, Walsh is proving that men in their 60s can still lead prime time.
But Walsh has also been remarkably candid about his health. He's spoken publicly about battling blepharitis, undertaking a fitness overhaul after a family history of heart disease, and shedding 10 pounds through disciplined exercise. His openness has prompted thousands of British men to ask: what health checks should I actually be booking right now?
The NHS checks every man over 50 is entitled to — for free
The NHS Health Check programme offers every adult in England aged 40–74 a free cardiovascular health assessment every five years. Yet NHS data shows that men are significantly less likely than women to attend these checks — and far more likely to arrive at A&E with an undiagnosed condition.
Here are the key checks available through your GP or NHS:
NHS Health Check (40–74, every 5 years) This 20–30 minute appointment checks blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, blood sugar, and kidney function. It calculates your 10-year risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It's free, it takes half an hour, and it could save your life.
Bowel cancer screening (50–74, every 2 years) Since 2023, the NHS bowel cancer screening programme has been extended to start at age 50. You'll receive a home test kit by post — a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) that detects traces of blood in your stool. Bowel cancer is the UK's second biggest cancer killer, with over 42,000 new diagnoses per year. When caught early, survival rates exceed 90 per cent.
AAA screening (men at 65) Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is offered once to all men aged 65. An ultrasound scan checks for a potentially fatal bulge in the main artery. Men are six times more likely than women to develop an AAA — and most experience no symptoms until rupture.
Blood pressure check (any age, GP or pharmacy) High blood pressure affects one in three adults in the UK but often has no symptoms. A reading above 140/90 mmHg is considered high. Many pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks with no appointment needed.
Bradley Walsh's blepharitis: more common than you think
Walsh has spoken about his ongoing battle with blepharitis — a chronic inflammation of the eyelids that causes redness, crusting, and irritation. It affects an estimated 37 per cent of adults at some point, yet many suffer in silence for years, assuming it's just tired eyes.
Blepharitis is managed, not cured. Daily lid hygiene — warm compresses and gentle cleaning — is the cornerstone of treatment. In persistent cases, a GP may prescribe antibiotic ointment or refer to an ophthalmologist. Left untreated, it can affect vision and increase the risk of corneal damage.
If you experience recurring red, gritty, or sticky eyes, book an appointment with your GP rather than relying on over-the-counter eye drops.
Heart disease risk for men over 50: what Walsh's family history means
Walsh has cited a family history of heart disease as the reason for his fitness overhaul. This is medically significant. According to the British Heart Foundation, men with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) who had heart disease before age 55 face double the average risk.
Risk factors to discuss with your GP:
- Cholesterol: Total cholesterol above 5 mmol/L is considered raised. Around 6 in 10 British adults have levels above this threshold
- Blood pressure: A systolic reading consistently above 130 mmHg increases stroke risk significantly
- Waist circumference: A waist above 94 cm (37 inches) for men is associated with increased cardiovascular risk
- Smoking and alcohol: Both independently raise heart attack risk; combined, the effect compounds
Walsh reportedly shed 10 pounds and adopted a more disciplined fitness regime following his doctor's advice. The evidence backs this up: regular moderate-intensity exercise reduces cardiovascular risk by 35 per cent and all-cause mortality by 30 per cent, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
The Gladiators effect: why physical ambition at 60+ matters
The Gladiators renewal means Walsh will spend much of 2026 filming in a high-energy, physically demanding environment. Presenting — particularly live or arena-based shows — requires stamina, voice health, and mental sharpness. Walsh's investment in his own health isn't vanity; it's professional maintenance.
There's growing evidence that men who stay physically active in their 50s and 60s age significantly better than those who don't. A 2024 study in The Lancet found that maintaining muscle mass in your 50s is one of the strongest predictors of independent living in your 80s. Strength training two to three times per week, combined with regular walking, is the most evidence-based approach.
When to see a doctor: red flags men over 50 shouldn't ignore
Many men dismiss symptoms as "just getting older." Some are — but others are warning signs that need prompt attention:
- Persistent fatigue lasting more than two weeks with no clear cause
- Chest tightness or pain, especially during exertion
- Urinary changes — frequency, urgency, weak flow, or blood in urine (potential prostate issues)
- Unexplained weight loss of more than 5 per cent of body weight
- Persistent cough lasting more than three weeks
- Rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits lasting more than three weeks
For any of these, don't wait for your annual review. Book an appointment now.
Booking a GP vs seeing a specialist
Your GP is the first port of call for all non-emergency health concerns. They can order blood tests, refer you to specialists, and manage chronic conditions like hypertension or high cholesterol. If waiting times are an issue, a private consultation with a GP or specialist can often be arranged within days via platforms like Expert Zoom.
Bradley Walsh is proof that 60 isn't the finish line. It's the point at which knowing your numbers — and acting on them — makes all the difference.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual health needs.
