Gladiators host Barney Walsh’s life from partner to bond with famous dad
- Posted on 30 January, 2025
Gladiators co-host Barney Walsh is back on our screens alongside his showbiz dad Bradley.
Born in 1997, Barney is the only child of the comedian and television presenter Bradley and his choreographer wife Donna.
Walsh attended both the East 15 Acting School and subsequently, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before he embarked on an acting career. The 27-year-old has become well-known for his roles in various TV shows and films including Casualty, Death in Paradise and King Arthur: Legend of The Sword.
Barney is known for his tight bond with his father as the pair have acted together in Law and Order as well as present Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad and Gladiators together.
Despite his success, there have been accusations of nepotism surrounding the young actor and presenter. W
What shows and films has Barney Walsh appeared in?
Barney Walsh has played Cameron Mickelthwaite in Casualty since 2023 ( Image: WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures’ Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)
Barney has several acting appearances to his name including as a young Arthur in the Guy Ritchie film King Arthur: Legend of The Sword, while also starring in The Larkins alongside his father and as a guest star in BBC’s Death of Paradise.
He has also appeared in Doctors and Law and Order. In spring 2023, Barney joined as accident-prone nurse Cameron Mickelthwaite in Casualty.
The student nurse initially struggled to adapt to the fast-paced emergency department, but has gradually settled at the hospital.
Beyond acting, Barney also took part in All Star Musicals, CelebAbility and Celebrity Catchphrase.
Barney Walsh’s relationship with his father
Gladiators presenters Bradley Walsh and Barney Walsh ( Image: BBC / James Stack / © Hungry Bear Media Ltd)
The father and son duo have a close relationship and Bradley Walsh has been keen for him to get into showbiz and acting.
They both fronted Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad on ITV, with a sixth series due to be aired in 2025. The duo have also hosted both series of the Gladiators revival since its return in 2024.
Bradley Walsh has sung the praises of his son, and spoke about his pride on the Tommy Tiernan Show. Speaking about what it has been like to work together, Bradley said: “For dads and mums that try and forge a career for themselves, you don’t spend enough time on your kids I guess.
“That’s payback time but I’ve really really loved it”. He added: “Barney, I always say this about him. He’s the man, he’s the person, I always wanted to be.”
Barney Walsh also faced accusations of nepotism when he got a co-host role alongside his father on Gladiators. Some people have argued that Barney’s role is a result of his father’s influence rather than his own merit, with some viewers even describing his presenting style as “wooden”.
A critic at the iPaper wrote: “There is nothing terribly wrong with Barney Walsh as a presenter. I can already hear some of you yelling at me for typing that. But he’s fine.
“He can read an autocue and hit his mark and seems comfortable in front of a camera. Given another few months in the job, he’ll only improve and grow in confidence. But is it likely any of these presenting gigs would have found their way onto his CV without Dad? Probably not.”
Who is Barney Walsh in a relationship with?
Stephanie Del Valle Diaz and Barney Walsh have been in a relationship for many years ( Image: Anthony Harvey/BAFTA/REX/Shutterstock)
Barney Walsh is in a relationship with Stephanie Del Valle Diaz, a Puerto Rican musician and model who was crowned Miss World in 2016.
Barney is thought to have met the 26-year-old Puerto Rican beauty, who won the Miss World competition in 2016, while hosting the 2017 Miss World pageant edition.
Stephanie became the second woman from Puerto Rico to win the Miss World contest and before that won Miss Mundo de Puerto Rico in 2016. During the 2016 Miss World competition, Stephanie was asked what she would change about the world before winning the crown.
Barney and Stephanie remain very private about their relationship, but in 2019 did step onto the red carpet at the BAFTA TV Awards together.
The happy couple were pictured alongside Barney’s parents, Bradley and Donna Derby. However, the couple haven’t been pictured together recently, but as both stars keep their personal lives private on social media.
Gladiators co-host Barney Walsh is back on our screens alongside his showbiz dad Bradley. Born in 1997, Barney is the only child of the comedian and television presenter Bradley and his choreographer wife Donna. Walsh attended both the East 15 Acting School and subsequently, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before he embarked on…