The Chase's Mark Labbett breaks silence as he's 'benched' by ITV bosses

The Chase brainiac Mark Labbett has publicly slammed ITV bosses after being unexpectedly sidelined by the show's producers.

Despite his correct answers in the latest episode of Beat the Chasers, Labbett, known affectionately as The Beast on the popular quiz show, took to X to vent his frustration after he answered five questions correctly but was then removed from play for the next three games.

He blasted: "Why I get frustrated about #Beatthechasers, I get five right first game and then promptly benched for next three games. Supersub I guess," he tweeted.

His comments sparked a debate among fans about the fairness of the competition.

One fan reasoned: "The clue's in the show name Mark, gotta give the punters a chance. I don't think people would watch 'lose against the chasers,'" suggesting that the decision was to give competitors a fair chance against the formidable chaser.

Fans also delved into the selection process of the chasers, sparking questions about its randomness.

When asked if the choice of chasers was left to chance, Labbett's response was telling: "No. Producers' choice," suggesting that the selection is strategically decided by the producers, rather than being merely coincidental.

Express Online have contacted ITV for comment.

The Chase, which premiered in 2009 and is hosted by Bradley Walsh, features teams of contestants attempting to win prize money by outsmarting the show’s lineup of chasers.

Labbett, who has been a staple on the show since its inception, is one of six main chasers, alongside Shaun Wallace, Anne Hegarty, Paul Sinha, Jenny Ryan, and Darragh Ennis. This team of trivia experts challenges contestants in a high-stakes battle of wits.

She added that despite the financial implications of adding new chasers, the newest member, Darragh Ennis, has positively impacted the show's ratings.

Labbett, 59, who has undergone a significant personal transformation by losing 19 stone and overcoming health challenges, remains a beloved figure on the show. He recently split from his girlfriend, journalist Hayley Palmer just weeks after they celebrated their one-year anniversary with a Beefeater pub meal and walk on the beach.

Mark opened up about the reason for the split, telling The Sun: "She's a lovely lady and I was very lucky to date her for a year, and as I said...it's me, I got old.

"There's been no one since Hayley, I'm not saying there won't be another one. But I'm certainly not looking."