Mark “The Beast” Labbett, the beloved quiz genius, is approaching his 60th milestone with an array of accomplishments under his belt. Celebrated not just for his intellect and role as a doting father, Mark has garnered fame as the most triumphant Chaser worldwide.
Moreover, he’s poised to celebrate a momentous personal victory – shedding half his bodyweight. At 59 years old, Labbett, a mainstay on ITV’s The Chase since 2009, has experienced a drastic lifestyle overhaul after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
In an open-hearted chat with OK! magazine, he admitted that “sugar” was once his weakness. However, these days, with his young son Lawrence from his previous marriage to Katie Labbett, his motivation to maintain a healthy life has intensified.
When quizzed about his enduring passion for The Chase after all these years, he revealed: “Pride and ego are the whips that drive me. I like being regarded as pretty clever, I like possibly being the best in the world at what I do, and that’s what drives me. I never want to be just making up the numbers.”
He went on to say: “I’m literally the world’s most experienced Chaser. I’m the only one who’s done it in three different countries. I keep looking around when I’m on set and thinking, ‘They’re paying me to do this!’ I’m in Hollywood, working for a prime-time American show. I’ve just been introduced to David Hasselhoff, who’s wandered in to steal some donuts from our craft services table.”
How showbiz is that?
Not bad for a fat old maths teacher. You’ve lost a lot of weight in recent years… I’ve been a yo-yo dieter and my heaviest was about 29st, then I got fit and was down to about 25st. But I’ve always actually been surprisingly fit. Even at 25st I could do a proper pumping hour on the cross trainer.
What’s your current weight?
I’ve been meaning to go and get a set of bathroom scales. My guess is about 18st, maybe in the 17s. I’ve got roughly the same physique as I had when I was playing rugby at 18 years old, but I’ve got less muscle so that might take it down even more.
What do you think when you see yourself on old episodes of The Chase?
Sometimes I look and go, “Blimey, is that me?” But the one thing about being a very big person, and especially a very big man with a big frame, is you can carry a lot of weight without really noticing it. The trouble is, I had a tonne of visceral fat, which isn’t good for you at all, and that’s why I was so heavy but relatively slim for my height and build. Normally, if you see a 30st man they’re quite obviously 30st, but I was carrying it internally.
You started wearing a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring Patch last year. Has it helped?
Yes. I’d lost a bit of weight before then, but last winter I had my first real attack of arthritis and it was a shock to the system because up to that point you think you’re immortal. Then suddenly, when you struggle to walk up stairs, you realise you’re not. I’d been gradually letting my glucose levels slide and enjoyed too many cheats, so when I put the monitor on I was shocked by my glucose levels.
It’s been a real eye-opener. I’ve been doing panto with it on and you can almost see the glucose level in real time. It’s made me realise I’ve got to be far more disciplined with carbs and sugars.
What’s your biggest downfall?
I have no ‘off’ button, in the same way for some unfortunate people when it comes to alcohol, they can just keep going. I could have a couple of chocolate bars and then reach for another.
You must feel good being healthier, especially for your son Lawrence’s sake?
Yes. One of my life goals, because I was a more mature father when Lawrence appeared, is to see him graduate. He’ll be 21 when I’m 71, 72, and that’s my mission. I’m just happy he’s a well-adjusted young man. He’s inherited my maths ability, which I’m not upset about either. He’s healthy, smart and tall – what more could you want?
You’re turning 60 next year.Any big ambitions left?
I’m really content with where I am. I’m loving being a dad – it’s nice to be able to provide for him. I love 99% of dealing with the public. They always say never achieve all your ambitions because then life gets boring, but my big ambition is, before I get too much older, a chance at hosting my own quiz show. I’m hoping one day ITV will say, “Mark, your time has come.” Until that happy day, I’ll keep working hard for them.