Mark Labbett, known to millions as “The Beast” on ITV’s The Chase, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. The 59-year-old quizzer has lost an astonishing amount of weight after a life-changing health scare. Therefore, he has become an inspiration to fans who have watched his journey unfold on screen.
From his early days as a supply teacher to becoming the world’s most successful chaser, Mark Labbett’s story is one of determination and resilience. As a result, he remains one of the most beloved figures on British television.
Who Is Mark Labbett?
Mark Andrew Labbett was born on August 15, 1965, in Tiverton, Devon [citation:5][citation:9]. He attended Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury before studying at Exeter College, Oxford, where he earned a BA. He later completed a PGCE at the University of Exeter [citation:9]. Therefore, his academic background laid the foundation for his quizzing career.
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, his imposing stature earned him the nickname “The Beast” [citation:9]. However, the name also has a clever wordplay element. La bête is French for “the beast,” and his surname Labbett sounds similar. As a result, the nickname stuck [citation:5].
Like Jenny Ryan, Mark Labbett has become a household name through his appearances on The Chase and its spin-offs.
The Chase: A 15-Year Journey
Mark Labbett joined The Chase for its first ever episode in 2009. He was one of the original two chasers alongside Shaun Wallace, “The Dark Destroyer” [citation:2][citation:5]. Therefore, he has been a fixture on the show for over 15 years.
Beyond the UK version, he has appeared as a chaser on The Chase USA and The Chase Australia. He also stars in the spin-off Beat the Chasers, which he says pays “like Premier League footballers” [citation:3][citation:5]. As a result, he has become a global quiz icon.
When asked about his future on the show, Mark hinted that his days could be numbered. “You never know,” he told the Daily Express at the National Television Awards [citation:2]. However, he added that he loves his job and takes “great pride” in being the best chaser in the world [citation:2].
Mark Labbett Net Worth
Mark Labbett net worth is estimated to be around £12.3 million (approximately $15 million) [citation:3]. This makes him the highest-paid chaser on The Chase. However, host Bradley Walsh has an even larger fortune, reportedly worth £18 million [citation:3].
His wealth comes from his television work across multiple countries, as well as personal appearances and quiz competitions. Before finding fame on The Chase, he was a supply teacher. Therefore, his rise to wealth has been remarkable.
Like Kaleb Cooper, Mark Labbett net worth reflects his success in the entertainment industry. His earnings from Beat the Chasers are reportedly significantly higher than the regular show [citation:3].
Mark Labbett Weight Loss Journey
Mark Labbett weight loss has been one of the most dramatic transformations on television. At his heaviest, he weighed approximately 29 stone (406 pounds or 184 kilograms) [citation:1][citation:4]. Today, he estimates his weight at around 17 or 18 stone [citation:1][citation:4]. Therefore, he has lost an incredible 11 to 12 stone.
The turning point came in 2017 when he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes [citation:1][citation:4]. He also experienced his “first real attack of arthritis,” which left him struggling to walk up stairs. As a result, he realised he was not immortal [citation:1].
Mark began using a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring Patch to track his blood sugar levels. The device was a “real eye-opener,” showing him how his diet affected his health. Therefore, he became far more disciplined with carbs and sugars [citation:1][citation:4].
How Mark Labbett Lost the Weight
Mark Labbett weight loss was achieved without surgery. He was advised against a gastric band due to how his body processes sugar. Therefore, he relied on diet and lifestyle changes instead [citation:1][citation:4].
The most significant change was to his diet. He cut down dramatically on sugar and carbohydrates, describing it as a “complete nutrition overhaul” [citation:1]. He also admitted he has “no off button” when it comes to snacking, comparing it to alcoholism. “I could have a couple of chocolate bars and then reach for another,” he confessed [citation:1][citation:4].
The Covid-19 pandemic played an unexpected role in his transformation. With nurseries closed, his “hyperactive” toddler kept him active during the day. Additionally, he believes he caught the virus, which “switched my appetite off” permanently [citation:8].
His Labrador retriever, Baloo, also helped. “I was walking him around the fields, taking me places… I think he’s helped a lot, simply because I’m doing more activity,” Mark said on ITV’s The Pet Show [citation:1][citation:4].
Why Mark Labbett Wanted to Lose Weight
Mark Labbett’s primary motivation for losing weight is his son, Lawrence. The seven-year-old was born in 2018, making Mark a “more mature father.” Therefore, his mission is to see his son graduate [citation:1][citation:4].
“He’ll be 21 when I’m 71, 72, and that’s my mission,” Mark revealed. “I’m just happy he’s a well-adjusted young man. He’s inherited my maths ability, which I’m not upset about either” [citation:1].
Before finding fame on The Chase, Mark struggled with his weight and confidence. He told BANG Showbiz that he was a “beta male” who didn’t get many dates. “I genuinely thought at one point before The Chase came along, ‘Am I going to die a bachelor?'” he admitted [citation:8].
Personal Life and Relationships
Mark Labbett married his second cousin, Katie Labbett, in 2014. She is 27 years his junior. The couple met on Facebook in 2010 and began dating in 2012 [citation:5][citation:8]. They have one son, Lawrence, born in 2018. However, the relationship ended in 2020 [citation:5].
In early 2023, Mark began dating television presenter Hayley Palmer. However, they separated in 2024 [citation:5]. He has since appeared on Celebs Go Dating in search of love [citation:7][citation:8].
During filming for Celebs Go Dating, Mark was forced to pause due to a hypoglycaemic attack. “One night, I had a hypoglycaemic attack,” he explained. “I might have been a bit grumpy that night. I apologised to everyone after” [citation:7].
Conclusion
Mark Labbett has transformed both his health and his life over the past decade. From weighing 29 stone to losing over 11 stone, his journey has inspired millions. Therefore, he continues to be one of the most beloved figures on British television.
With his son Lawrence as his motivation and his career on The Chase still going strong, Mark Labbett shows no signs of slowing down. Consequently, fans will enjoy watching The Beast for years to come.
FAQs
How old is Mark Labbett?
He was born on August 15, 1965, and is 59 years old (turning 60 in 2025).
What is Mark Labbett net worth?
Estimated at approximately £12.3 million ($15 million).
How much weight did Mark Labbett lose?
He lost approximately 11 to 12 stone, from 29 stone to around 17 or 18 stone.
Does Mark Labbett have diabetes?
Yes, he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2017 and now uses a continuous glucose monitor.
Is Mark Labbett married?
He was married to Katie Labbett from 2014 to 2020. He has a son named Lawrence.
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