Mark Labbett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mark Labbett
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Labbett on The Chase USA in 2014
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| Born |
Mark Andrew Labbett
15 August 1965 |
| Other names | "The Beast" |
| Alma mater | Exeter College, Oxford (BA) University of Exeter (PGCE) |
| Occupation | Television personality |
| Years active | 1999–present |
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Notable credit(s)
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The Chase (2009–present) The Chase USA (2013–2015, 2021–2022) The Chase Australia (2016–2020, 2022–present) Master Minds, 2022–present |
| Height | 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) |
| Spouse(s) |
Katie Labbett
(m. 2014; separated 2020) |
| Children | 1 |
Mark Andrew Labbett (born 15 August 1965) is a famous English TV personality and quizzer. Many people know him by his nickname, "The Beast". Since 2009, he has been one of the "chasers" on the popular ITV game show The Chase.
Mark Labbett has also appeared on other versions of The Chase. He was the only chaser on the GSN's American version from 2013 to 2015. He was also one of the chasers on the Australian version from 2016 to 2020, and rejoined it in 2022. He also appeared on the ABC's American revival of the show.
Besides The Chase, Mark has been a contestant on many other TV quiz shows. He also takes part in quizzing competitions regularly.
Contents
Mark Labbett's Early Life
Mark Andrew Labbett was born on 15 August 1965 in Tiverton, Devon, England. He went to Bishop Wordsworth's School in Salisbury.
He studied mathematics at Exeter College, Oxford. He also earned a teaching qualification from the University of Exeter.
Mark Labbett's Career
Teaching Career
Before becoming a full-time quizzer, Mark Labbett worked as a supply teacher. He taught both mathematics and physical education.
Quizzing Journey
Mark Labbett first became interested in quizzing while working at a Butlins holiday camp. He would earn extra money by winning on the quiz machines there. His pub quiz team even won a trip to Paris in 2001.
Mark has appeared on many TV quiz shows:
- He was on Mastermind in 1999, with the Olympic Games as his special subject. He returned in 2000, choosing The Simpsons as his subject.
- In 2000, he competed on Countdown.
- He appeared on Who Wants to be a Millionaire? twice. In 2006, he won £32,000.
- His team, the Rugby Boys, won BBC Four's Only Connect in 2009.
- He also appeared on University Challenge in 1996-1997.
In 2012, Mark Labbett was ranked 89th in the World Quizzing Championships.
In 2016, Mark took part in an ITV show called Sugar Free Farm. He also became a producer for a wrestling company called New Generation Wrestling (NGW).
The Chase Role
Mark Labbett is best known as one of the "chasers" on The Chase. This popular quiz show first aired in 2009 and is hosted by Bradley Walsh. On the show, his nickname is "the Beast". This name refers to his large size and also sounds like the French word for "the beast" (la bête).
Mark was the only chaser on the American version of The Chase from 2013 to 2015. He also joined the Australian version as one of seven chasers. He has said that American game shows often have very strong contestants, which made it more challenging for him.
His weakest subjects are horse racing and soap operas.
Mark Labbett's Personal Life
Mark Labbett lived in Caldicot and then Newport in Wales before moving to Rotherham in England in 2013.
He married Katie Labbett in 2014, and they had a son together. They separated in 2020. In early 2023, he started dating TV presenter Hayley Palmer, but their relationship ended in 2024.
Mark supports the football team Sheffield United. In Australian Rules Football, he supports the Western Bulldogs.
In 2015, Mark Labbett shared that he had been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
Television Appearances
| Year | Title | Role | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–present | The Chase | Chaser | ITV |
| 2011–present | The Chase: Celebrity Specials | ||
| 2013–2015, 2021–2022 | The Chase USA | Game Show Network, ABC | |
| 2016–2020, 2022–present | The Chase Australia | Channel 7 | |
| 2017–present | The Family Chase | ITV | |
| 2020–present | Beat the Chasers | ||
| 2021 | The Chasers Road Trip: Trains Brains and Automobiles | Himself | |
| 2023–present | Master Minds | Master Minds | Game Show Network |
Guest Appearances
- University Challenge (1996–97) – contestant
- Mastermind (1999, 2000) – contestant
- Countdown (2000) – contestant
- Stake Out (2001) – contestant
- Grand Slam (2003) – contestant
- BrainTeaser (2004) – contestant
- SUDO-Q (2005) – contestant
- Eggheads (2005) - contestant
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (2006) – contestant
- The National Lottery People's Quiz (2007) – contestant
- Are You an Egghead? (2008) – contestant
- Battle of the Brains (2008) – contestant
- Only Connect (2009) – contestant
- Sugar Free Farm (2016) – participant
- Tipping Point: Lucky Stars (2016) – contestant
- Let's Sing and Dance for Comic Relief (2017) – participant winner
- Celebrity Juice (2017) – participant
- Loose Women (2017) – guest
- Celebrity Catchphrase (2024) – contestant
