Mark Labbett, known as "The Beast" on the quiz show The Chase, and TV presenter Hayley Palmer were seen together in London on Monday, marking their first public outing since confirming they had rekindled their relationship. The couple were photographed holding hands and laughing as they left a hotel, appearing affectionate before entering Labbett's car.
Palmer wore a black mini dress with a camel-colored blazer and knee-high boots, while Labbett sported a black polo shirt, jeans, and a jacket. The sighting comes weeks after Labbett, 61, confirmed he and Palmer, 45, were back together two years after an acrimonious split.
Labbett revealed that he had won Palmer back with Nando's meals, bingo dates, and a pair of designer heels. The pair had first fueled speculation of a reunion after Labbett shared a photo of them at Nando's. This followed a period of estrangement after Labbett ended their relationship in May 2024, just after their first anniversary, in what Palmer described as a "three-minute" phone call that left her "completely crushed."
Palmer confirmed their reunion to the Daily Mail, stating they had been back together for three months. Labbett shared that he had spotted Palmer at London's St. Pancras Station while in the city for filming and, unable to approach her at the time, later messaged her. Their subsequent meeting for lunch led to the realization that they had missed each other.
The couple first began dating in May 2023, after Labbett's attempts at an open marriage with his ex-wife, Katie Labbett, failed. However, their romance ended about a year later. At the time, Palmer suggested Labbett ended the relationship because he did not want to divorce his ex-wife. Labbett, however, claimed the separation was due to him feeling too old for their differing lifestyles, as he preferred staying in while Palmer enjoyed nights out.
Palmer has spoken about struggling with the initial split, reaching a low point and seeking counseling. She described her current feelings as a "sliding doors" moment, having transformed her pain into empowerment. Labbett has reportedly been impressed by her recent fitness transformation, noting she looks "ridiculously fit."
Despite their rekindled romance, the couple intends to keep their relationship low-key and have no immediate plans for publicizing it on television programs. Palmer had previously stated in November that they were on good terms and were happy as friends, even though Labbett had previously pulled out of an interview with her for a show titled "An Audience With..." due to unforeseen circumstances. At that time, she emphasized their desire to move past their romantic history and focus on their professional capacities as friends.