ITV star Mark Labbett opens up on having a 'breakdown' on The Chase

Mark Labbett, known as The Beast on ITV's The Chase, has opened up about feeling "utterly demoralised" during an episode of the hit quiz show. Last year, he confessed to having a "breakdown" before facing a formidable team in one of the episodes.

He is a regular face on the show alongside fellow quizzing legends Anne Hegerty, Darragh Ennis, Shaun Wallace, and Jenny Ryan. Mark, aged 59, shared his experience: "I had a breakdown prior to the final chase. I was utterly demoralised by yet another star team."

Despite his feelings, he noted that his sportsmanship went unseen: "I still applauded and congratulated the team but it was edited out," he added.

His candid revelation drew support from fans and colleague Paul Sinha, who commented: "It's easily lost we're not robots, we're human beings trying our best. Whatever you see on screen is a snapshot of us at an unspecified moment..." Sinha also highlighted the pressures they face: "We could have been under stress for any number of reasons, much of [which] may be long forgotten."

Amidst recent personal challenges, Mark has continued to receive love and encouragement from the show's dedicated audience. Social media users expressed their reactions, with one saying: "It's the most frustrated I have seen you! On the bright side my wife and I were laughing at how grumpy you looked but in a nice way if that's possible. All part of the twists and turns that great show provides.", reports the Express.

Another viewer empathised, remarking: "You could tell halfway through with the tone in your voice you knew that you had been beaten.."

Meanwhile, Mark's former partner, Hayley, has candidly discussed their breakup earlier this year, disclosing that he ended the relationship because he "didn't want to divorce his ex-wife Katie". In a conversation with The Sun, Sky Entertainment reporter Hayley said: "He has really lived up to his name. The Beast has been a beast. It has come as a complete shock. I thought we were really happy. I'm heartbroken and blindsided. His behaviour has been beastly."

Additionally, Mark was notably absent from the National Television Awards celebrations with his team in September after The Chase clinched the Best Daytime show award.

He missed the opportunity to join Bradley Walsh, Anne Hegerty, and Sean Walsh on stage to receive the honour. This absence was particularly surprising given that the show had just marked its 15th anniversary on television.