The Chase host Andrew O’Keefe takes sudden leave of absence due to “personal issues”
The Chase host Andrew O’Keefe, 47, has suddenly taken a leave of absence in order to deal with “some personal issues”.
Mark Klemens, the manager of O’Keefe, has confirmed in a statement to The Daily Telegraph that O’Keefe is taking one month’s leave of absence as he is “emotionally exhausted” and “needs this break” to address his long-term health issues.
"Andrew O'Keefe is currently taking some time off from his demanding and busy schedule to regroup and work through some personal issues," read the statement.
"Over the past year or so AOK has had to come to terms with his marriage breakdown among a range of other issues.
"He is emotionally exhausted to say the least and needs this break.
"He is also determined to deal with these issues and is committed to getting back on track as soon as he can.
"He is looking forward to full health and hopefully being back in the studio in a couple of weeks."
Klemens also said that The Chase host has plenty of support around him whilst he takes a break.
"He is a devoted and loving father and cherished son and brother. He is fortunate to have wonderful support around him."
Repeat episodes of The Chase will be run this week as production of the show is currently suspended.
O’Keefe separated from his wife Eleanor in 2017, and explained how it has been a bumpy year since then.
"It has been a bit of a rough and bumpy year, on a personal front, having separated from Eleanor a year ago and trying to navigate what it means to be a co-parent, a single person, a single father and feeling slightly, I guess, adrift in the world," he admitted to The Herald Sun.
"I spent 25 years building a certain emotional castle, and creating all of the things that we like to think we are going to achieve in life, and at the age of 47 I feel like I am starting all over again."