Mark Labbett, famed for outwitting contestants as 'The Beast' on ITV's The Chase, has quite the reputation for stumping would-be winners. At 59, Labbett is an easily recognisable figure in British quiz show circles.
However, not everyone knows how he earned his fierce moniker.
It might surprise fans to learn that 'The Beast', often thought to reference his towering presence and sharp intellect, actually derives from his last name. For those versed in French, this isn't news 'La bete' means 'the beast' in English.
Yet, this tidbit appears to have flown under the radar of numerous viewers.
A plethora of shocked reactions filled social media as fans disclosed their recent discovery of the origin behind Labbett's nickname. One user exclaimed: "Wait, am I the last person to find out that The Beast on The Chase was called that because La bete is French for beast and his last name is Labbett! ? I genuinely thought it was another 'big lad' type of name! ? ", reports the Mirror.
Others joined in with lighthearted embarrassment; one replied, "No. I'm the last", while a different individual confessed to being 'today years old' when they came across the trivia.
He boasts an illustrious educational history, including a Mathematics degree from Oxford's Exeter College, secondary education PGCE from the University of Exeter, and law qualifications from the University of Glamorgan, now renamed as the University of South Wales.
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Prior to his TV stardom, Mark Labbett was a maths and PE teacher. However, his quiz career started long before he hit the small screen.
He's competed in numerous quiz contests and even represented Wales in the European Quiz Championships. His impressive victories across various quiz shows are testament to his extensive general knowledge and trivia prowess.
The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV1.
