The Chase star Mark “The Beast” Labbett has been described as “the worst loser in the world” by fellow Chaser Darragh Ennis following a series of dramatic walk-offs and outbursts on the set of the UK game show.
Ennis, who joined the show in 2020 and was known to fans as the Menace, made the comments during an appearance on the podcast Dempsey’s Dozen hosted by Ian Dempsey.
He said the Chasers took losing seriously, recalling a recent episode where Labbett stormed off set after losing in the final seconds.
“Mark is, and he would not mind me saying this, the worst loser in the world. He hates it, he genuinely hates it, that is not an act. He might pantomime it up a little but he is genuinely mad and he is really angry, he’s a sore loser, he kicks off and then five minutes later he’s fine.”
Ennis said Labbett’s competitive streak often led him to buzz in prematurely in spin-off show Beat the Chasers.
“He does not like losing. When we’re doing Beat the Chasers we have to tell him, ‘Mark, stop buzzing in so early’, because if he hasn’t answered a question in a while he wants to get in there.”
Labbett has a history of fiery reactions to defeat.
In a 2020 episode, he reportedly punched a wall and walked off set after two contestants won £30,000.
Host Bradley Walsh, visibly surprised, told viewers: “Wow, he is furious. For those of you who think it’s all part of the show, it’s not.”
In another incident, Labbett apologised publicly after storming off following a £21,000 loss, citing mental health struggles and the pressure of back-to-back filming.
Walsh apologised on Labbett’s behalf, saying “to all the kids watching”: ” That’s not how you should take defeat. You should take it magnanimously and humbly.”
In a post to X following the outburst, Labbett apologised to those disappointed with his behaviour.
“My mental health was shot before that game, it was storm off or break down in tears. A remorseless diet of quality opponents didn’t help #thechase.”
Labbett and Ennis were two of six Chasers currently on the show hosted by Bradley Walsh. The others were Shaun “the Dark Destroyer” Wallace, Anne “The Governess” Hegerty, Jenny “The Vixen” Ryan and Paul “The Sinnerman” Sinha.
The programme has been running since 2009.
New Zealand is set to become the 22nd country with its own Chase format when Paul Henry hosts a series of shows – the broadcast date is yet to be announced.
The Chase is on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+ daily at 5pm.
