Mark Labbett on The Chase US exit ‘Best time to get off sinking ship’

The Chase: Mark Labbett reflects on being a maths teacher

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Mark Labbett has become a household name following his iconic role as The Beast on the ITV game show, The Chase. Following the show’s success in the UK, Mark became the only Chaser on the American version and also joined the Australian show with co-stars Anne Hegerty and Shaun Wallace.

However, after two years on ABC’s US revival of the quiz show, Mark was unexpectedly dropped ahead of the third season.

He confirmed that he had not been re-signed via Twitter in February this year.

He said: “Not been re-signed, That’s life. Grateful for the opportunity to work with (and compare myself to) the GOATS.”

Nine months later, Mark has remained pragmatic as he looks back on his exit.

He told Express.co.uk: “In one sense, it was always going to happen because there are so many quality American quizzers out there.

“I’m actually very thankful for the fact I got a year out there where I did a decent job, I think, and more importantly, I got paid in dollars so happy days! 

“The irony was that the American show wanted some more diverse Chasers and I found them two of them who I know well, I got them the best female quizzer in the world!

“But I got one good year and I am still working out in America just on a different show so reputation is everything.” 

Despite Mark’s optimism, the decision to axe him from the show did not go down well with viewers and many have called for him to return.

In August, it was also reported that The Chase US had suffered a 40 percent drop in viewing figures, according to news site BuzzerBlog.

Nevertheless, Mark says the depleted ratings since his departure are probably a “coincidence”, but adds that he got off the “sinking ship” at the right time.

He said: “If I am being a little bit mean, the ratings have kind of tanked since I left.

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“I think it’s a coincidence, but they always say the best time to get off a sinking ship is the day before it sails.” 

Of course, Mark’s flagship show, The Chase UK, continues to go from strength to strength.

Discussing why viewers continue to love it so much, Mark credits a large part of its success to presenter, Bradley Walsh.

He explained: “We have got the best host in the world in Bradley Walsh. I know I’m biased when I say it but it’s true. 

“There are some great hosts in Britain, America and Australia, but we have got Bradley.

“And you can see that as everyone is always trying to hire him when there is a new quiz show out.”

The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV. 

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