Each evening on ITV, fans up and down the country gather to see if a team of four contestants can outsmart one of the nation’s most successful quizzing brains. The Chase hopefuls are put under the spotlight by host Bradley Walsh, 59, in the hopes of “outrunning” the chaser and taking home the cash prize on offer. However, the chaser can change from evening to evening and there’s about to be another face joining the fray.
When The Chase first got underway back in 2009, contestants only faced the daunting task of coming head-to-head with one of two of Britain’s finest quizzer.
Shaun ‘The Dark Destroyer’ Wallace, 59, and Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett, 54, were the duo doing their best to stop people walking home with the money.
One year later and Anne ‘The Governess’ Hegerty, 61, joined the line-up following stints on Mastermind and Fifteen to One.
In 2011, comedian and quizzer Paul ‘The Sinnerman’ Sinha, 49, was unveiled as a fourth chaser and X Factor Celebrity contestant Jenny Ryan, 37, joined in 2015.
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However, despite the plethora of chasers on offer, ITV has decided to bring in another, meaning one of six professionals will face off against the public.
The Chase fans are still in the dark as to who the quizzer will be, but one person isn’t happy with the shake-up: Mark Labbett.
In an interview with The Sun Online, Mark revealed he was “gutted” by the news as it left him fearing he’ll get “less work.”
The Beast candidly said: “I’m gutted about it, to be honest.”
He added: “We only get paid for when we work so a new chaser means less work.”
Mark even entertained the possibility of returning to the job he had before finding fame on the ITV show.
He said: “There will be a point where I can’t afford to do it any more. I’ll have to go back to teaching.
“Last year we only filmed half as Bradley Walsh was on Doctor Who and if I didn’t have other work it would be really tough.”
Not only is Mark left feeling dejected by the introduction of another chaser but is also struggling with finding work away from the game show.
While he admits his “dream would be to host University Challenge,” Mark revealed he’s struggling to work on other projects.
The ITV quizzer said: ”I’ve got a slight disadvantage because TV has too many white middle-aged quiz presenters.
“I haven’t had as many offers as Anne Hegerty and we have the same agent.’
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Since his introduction to the spotlight on The Chase, however, Mark has landed a handful of roles away from the ITV series.
In 2013, Mark headed Stateside to front The Chase USA.
He was the face of the Game Show Network quiz for two years before it ended in 2015.
Mark also jetted Down Under in 2015 to fulfil the role of chaser once again on The Chase Australia – a role he still maintains to this day.
Express.co.uk has contacted ITV for comment.
The Chase continues every evening at 5pm on ITV.
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