Mark Labbett, a star of The Chase, has expressed his desire to host his own TV quiz show. Known as one of the original “Chasers” on the popular ITV1 game show alongside Shaun Wallace, he has spent over 15 years playing second fiddle to presenter Bradley Walsh.
However, the expert quizzer, affectionately known as “The Beast” due to his straightforward approach and sharp wit, confessed he’s eager to step into the limelight.
Mark, 59, revealed to Express: “I openly admit that my one ambition left in TV is to host my own quiz or game show. I’m constantly, respectfully reminding the boss at ITV: ‘Any chance at one for me! ‘ You’ve just got to wait your turn and hope it’s the right format for you. TV is a weird and wonderful environment.”
Mark is considered one of the most formidable Chasers on the teatime show, alongside “The Dark Destroyer” Wallace, Anne “The Governess” Hegerty, Paul “The Sinnerman” Sinha, Jenny “The Vixen” Ryan and Darragh “The Menace” Ennis.
In recent times, the TV whizz has shed an impressive 10 stone after deciding to embark on a healthier lifestyle.
But before his remarkable weight loss journey, Mark disclosed that he was once pursued for a different role – one that valued his physical strength over his intellectual prowess.
He recalled: “When Shaun and I were filming the first series (of The Chase) in Manchester, Jeremy Kyle was in the makeup room about to go on his show and he asked us in all seriousness: ‘Would we be interested in working for him as security? ‘ Shaun put him straight and quipped: ‘You can’t afford us mate’! “.
Mark, who aspires to be as successful as long-standing host and former Doctor Who star Walsh, 64, believes that it’s Bradley’s charisma that has made The Chase such a hit.
“I’m biased but I think in Bradley, we’ve got the best game show host in the English-speaking world,” he declared. “Seeing as I’ve travelled around the English-speaking world, I’m kind of equipped to make that judgement.”
Interestingly, despite Bradley’s immense popularity with the audience, he wasn’t initially intended to be the original host that role was earmarked for investigative journalist Donal Macintyre.
“Due to a scheduling thing, a window came up for Bradley. He became available and, as they say, the rest is history,” Mark revealed.
The Chase continues weekdays on ITV from 5pm.