Mark Labbett of The Chase Opens Up About Nando's Surprising Reunion with Glam Ex Two Years After Their Quick Split

THE Chase star Mark Labbett was dubbed “beastly” by his glamorous ex Hayley Palmer after dumping her in a three-minute phone call two years ago.

But the ITV quizzer, 61, known to viewers as The Beast, stunned fans yesterday after being spotted on a Nando’s date with Hayley, 45. Now, he reveals exactly what’s going on…

Mark confirms the pair have rekindled their romance after he spotted her across a crowded train station.

Realising he had made a mistake, Mark texted the statuesque blonde to win her back.

His successful charm offensive included meals, bingo dates and a £700 pair of Christian Louboutin heels.

Three months into their reunion, he has even hinted that could be on the horizon with the presenter.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Mark said: “We’re . It’s been three months.

“I was in London to do The Chase Around The World and I thought I saw Hayley at St Pancras Station.

“Unfortunately it was one of those times where there was a car waiting for me, so I couldn’t sprint after her. I sent her a message saying: ‘Have I just seen you?’ and she replied saying: ‘Why didn’t you come and talk to me?’

“We met for lunch and it became obvious that we’d missed each other.”

Asked about potential wedding bells, he added: “The first person that is going to find out about that is Hayley.”

Their current happiness is a far cry from May 2024. Just one week after marking their first anniversary with a pub meal, a beach walk, and a joint appearance on ITV’s , Mark abruptly ended the relationship.

During that Loose Women interview, Hayley had gushed: “Ladies, there’s so much hope because you can find a really nice, genuine guy. He’s not The Beast, he’s the most sweetest person.”

Mark had joked to the panel: “The secret to a happy relationship is ‘Yes dear’,” before adding: “Because we live quite a bit apart… we make the most of it while we’re together.”

Throughout their first year together, Mark had wined and dined Hayley with his Toby Carvery Gold Card, while she gifted him a gym membership.

But following their sudden split, Hayley claimed he ended things because he did not want to divorce his ex-wife, Katie.

Describing the breakup as “traumatic,” the stunned presenter said at the time: “He has really . 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.”

Less than six months later, Mark dropped his first hint of regret. Admitting the age gap had played a role, he confessed that Hayley was “a lovely lady,” adding: “I was very lucky to date her for a year… it’s me, I got old”.

Following the split, Mark had a brief stint on , though he now refuses to discuss it, insisting: “I don’t want to upset anybody.”

Meanwhile, Hayley focused on herself, hitting the gym and dropping over a stone by cutting out chips, crisps, coke, and cake.

Mark has since stepped up his game, treating her to flash gifts and joining her for fitness swims.

Mark said: “The important thing about the Louboutins is that with them on, Hayley is 6’2 and I’m 6’7 so it really works quite nicely.

“It was a gift on her 45th birthday, and bear in mind that we had already been for two months at that point.”

Hayley admits she was initially stunned when Mark got back in contact, describing it as a “sliding doors” moment.

She said: “I don’t know if I was in St Pancras at the time, but I’m always in Kings Cross, so when I got the message from him, I was like: ‘Oh my gosh, that’s crazy.’

“I messaged back saying: ‘You should have said hello.’ Then we were just texting a little bit, then Mark said: ‘Oh well, I’m filming Around The World and I’m coming back to St Pancras and we should meet for lunch.’

“We’ve had two years apart, and it’s funny because during that time those emotions go and now we’re the best version of ourselves, and we’re all about looking after each other and just being respectful to each other and having a nice time together.”

When they reunited, Mark was immediately struck by Hayley’s toned new look.

Mark said: “Hayley’s in the best shape I think I’ve ever seen as she looks ridiculously fit!

“I stabilised at about 20 stone, but then I’ve definitely lost a bit of weight since we’ve been dating.”

With The Chase currently on a filming break, Mark has been – and Hayley has happily joined him. However, Mark voiced his frustration at ITV bosses over the show’s pause.

He said: “I love doing all the gigs up and down the country. I’m actually making more money now than when I was on The Chase.”

Later this year, Mark will play Captain Hook in a panto production in St Helens, Merseyside.

While he would love to tackle ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, he warned future campmates that hunger might bring out his dark side.

He said: “The problem is I can’t this year because I signed the panto contract back in March. I think I might kill someone on there. I have been known to get hangry.

“Can you imagine if somebody mucked up the challenges and then goes: ‘Oh, never mind,’ while they reach for their 20-a-day or whatever, and I’m starving? I keep saying my father worked in the meat trade. I know some butchery.”

He added with a laugh: “I would have them on the spit and cannibalism would be on the cards. I might as well let them know: ‘Don’t make me hungry!’ If they ever want me to do it, they really need to start chatting in March or April.”

Reflecting on turning 61, Mark remains pragmatic about his health and relationship.

He said: “I’m in reasonable shape. There is a drawback to being this tall and this heavy, so I’m just enjoying it while we can and making sure we have as good a time as we can.”

This time around, the couple are keeping their private life low-key and have no interest in doing the daytime TV rounds.

Mark said: “Hayley has discovered a new passion in her life and that’s bingo. I do a lot of work with Buzz Bingo at the moment, which involves gigs up and down the country and Hayley has started to come and see me while I’m there.

“She gets really upset when she’s like one or two numbers away and says: ‘Why aren’t they calling my number?’

“The major thing now is we’ve just gone on with it. We’re not trying to hide it. We’re just not bothering to be a big issue. We wouldn’t bother going on Loose Women or anything.

“We’re not trying to keep it secret. We’re just basically… getting on with our life.”