😢💛 Mark Labbett’s sudden withdrawal from The Chase leaves fans emotional as heartfelt tributes and messages of concern pour in online

The Beast was set to reunite with his ex-girlfriend 18 months after they announced their split.

Mark Labbett has pulled out of an upcoming gig weeks before going on stage (Image: Getty Images)

Mark Labbett worried his loyal fanbase from The Chase after he pulled out of an upcoming show. On Tuesday (December 2), TV presenter Hayley Palmer – who dated the pro quizzer for a year before they split – took to Instagram to announce that The Beast has pulled out of one of her shows in the new year. The dad-of-one, 60, was set to reunite with his ex, 44, at London’s Hippodrome despite blocking him when he dumped her days after their one-year anniversary.

He was set to take part in her Audience with… series on January 26, but has now pulled out of the show. Previously speaking about their upcoming show, she teased fans that the star would “open up about his extraordinary career, from dominating the world of competitive quizzing to becoming a household name on prime-time television.”

She wrote: “Just a quick update. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mark Labbett will no longer be appearing on my ‘Audience with…’ show on January 26. Many of you were excited at the prospect of seeing me interview Mark and hearing his story.”

The 43-year-old broadcaster then reassured ticket holders that they would receive a full refund and that the show will still go on. The tickets ranged from prices at £22 to £106 for a table of four.

Hayley continued: “If you’ve bought a ticket, don’t worry, you’ll receive an automatic refund. The show will most definitely go on, however.

“I’ve got an incredible line up of celebrity interviews for 2026 and I’ll announce who will be appearing soon. My show with Suzi Quatro this weekend is a complete sell out! Thank you everyone for your support. Onwards and upwards!”

The Beast dated TV presenter Hayley Palmer for a year before separating (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

It comes after the pro quizzer shared a candid health update as he marked a special milestone in his life. The beloved quizmaster recently marked his 60th birthday, and his health has been his number one priority.

During an appearance on Loose Women last month, the broadcaster opened up about his impressive weight loss since being diagnosed with diabetes back in 2017. He admitted on the show that he is “really lucky” as he opened up about his health.

He added: “I look at it slightly differently, especially for people who play a lot of sports, because by now they’re struggling. They’re permanently in pain, they need pain killers to get out of bed with the damage they have done.”

The TV star admitted: “I’m really lucky, I look at it this way: I’ve got my weight in check at the moment. Obviously, there’s the diabetes, but that is on me because of my diet. Apart from a touch of arthritis, if that’s the only thing I’ve got at 60, I’ll take it.”