Mark Labbett, the ITV quiz sensation known as the Beast on The Chase, has said he is no longer bothered about having a girlfriend — or sex — as he approaches the age of 60. In an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Labbett described his current outlook as “not as urgent as it used to be,” adding that he would rather watch Sky Sports than pursue a romantic relationship. “I’m very happy on my own. It’s a committee of one. If you want to do something then you do it, like if I want to watch that film then I do it,” he said. He also described weekend routines that reflect his preference for solitude, saying: “Saturday mornings, I put Sky Sports on and I stay in all weekend. That’s heaven.” He added that while some people feel a need for partnership, he is comfortable being on his own and noted that his lifestyle keeps him “all over the world.”
Labbett has long been known for his prowess on The Chase as well as his publicized romantic life. He called off his seven-year marriage to his former wife, Katie, who is his second cousin and 27 years his junior and the mother of his seven-year-old son, Lawrence, in 2020. He subsequently dated television presenter Hayley Palmer, but the couple split last year in what was described as a three-minute phone call. Earlier this year, Labbett appeared on the E4 dating show Celebs Go Dating, and last month he was seen having lunch with beautician Deanne Perkins, 57, whom he met on the program.
In medical news, Labbett, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes earlier this year, has pursued a notable weight loss — shedding more than ten stone from a peak of about 29 stone during the Covid era. He told the MoS that he has not taken Ozempic, but would consider it if advised by his weight-management specialists, adding that his doctors would tell him there is little point if he has already made significant progress.
Beyond his personal life, Labbett remains a staple of The Chase, having appeared on the flagship UK show since it began in 2009. He features in the U.S. and Australian editions as well as celebrity specials and the spin-off Beat The Chasers, continuing to entertain and challenge contestants with his quick-fire quips and formidable knowledge. The star has also used recent TV appearances to reflect on his evolving stance toward relationships and personal health, while maintaining a public profile that blends quiz mastery with the occasionally tabloid-driven narrative surrounding his dating history.
The revelations come as Labbett presses forward with proposed appearances in reality TV formats and ongoing roles on international adaptations of The Chase, underscoring the enduring appeal of the 6-foot-7 powerhouse who has become a fixture of British entertainment for more than a decade.