The Chase star Mark Labbett reveals 'last minute decision' which changed show forever

The Chase star Mark Labbett reveals 'last minute decision' which changed show forever

WATCH NOW: The Beast reveals why The Chase is so popular after 15 years

GB News
Georgia Pearce

By Georgia Pearce


Published: 25/01/2024

- 21:00

The Chase has been ITV's most popular quiz show for 15 years

The Chase star Mark Labbett, known on the show as "The Beast", has revealed the "last minute decision" which changed the show's format forever and made it a huge success.

ITV's quiz show, which first aired in 2009, follows four members of the public as they attempt to beat one of the show's "Chasers", who are some of the smartest people in Britain.


Mark Labbett's 'The Beast' stars alongside Shaun 'The Dark Destroyer' Wallace, Anne 'The Governess' Hegerty, Jenny 'The Vixen' Ryan, Paul 'The Sinnerman' Sinha and Darragh 'The Menace' Ennis.

Each episode features a different Chaser as they attempt to knock all the contestants out with their extensive general knowledge skills.

Mark Labbett

Mark Labbett reveals the last minute decision which changed the show's format

GB News

In 2022, the last remaining contestant Dan from Birmingham took home £80,000 by himself, beating 'The Vixen' Jenny Ryan.

Host Bradley Walsh was left speechless and told him it was the "highest amount any single player has ever won on the show".

Appearing on GB News, Labbett revealed the secrets to the show's success with host Nigel Farage and how the show is the "perfect job" for him.

Labbett previously tested his incredible knowledge on Countdown and Mastermind, before being cast on the show.

Labbett told Nigel Farage on Talking Pints: "The format was a lucky accident - originally they went up the ladder and then turned round, which was dull as dishwater, but they made a last-minute change, literally.

"We've got an element of 'Jeopardy!', and I know I'm biased but we've got the best game show host in the English-speaking world right now.

"And then most importantly it's got me of course."

The Beast also praised his fellow Chasers and recalled leading the Welsh quiz team to fifth place in the 2006 European Quizzing Championships.

The Chase

Mark Labbett's 'The Beast' stars alongside Shaun 'The Dark Destroyer' Wallace, Anne 'The Governess' Hegerty, Jenny 'The Vixen' Ryan, Paul 'The Sinnerman' Sinha and Darragh 'The Menace' Ennis.

ITV

Labbett said of The Chase stars: "We've become professionals. We all have got eminence in the world of quizzing, like national championships.

"I captained Wales and represented them a few times, and Anne's a former world ladies champion. So we've got that level and that's the aim.

"It's four against one and we're there to literally provide a test if somebody wins by playing well, I don't like it.

"I go congratulate them and say well played, you've earned the money. What I don't want to do is feel I'm giving it away."

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