‘It was storm off or break down in tears’
ITV ‘Chaser’ Mark Labbett, better known as his alias The Beast on the popular quiz show The Chase, has apologised after storming off a recent episode and opened up about his mental health struggles.
During a recent episode that aired on January 26, Labbett was seen storming out after losing to the show’s contestants with mere seconds left on the clock.
Host Bradley Walsh questioned Labbett about the loss but The Beast grunted “I’m off” and punched part of the set as he walked away.
Apologies to those of you disappointed with my behaviour tonight. 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
— Mark Labbett (@MarkLabbett) January 26, 2022
Obviously taken back by the display, Walsh told viewers: “I apologise to any kids watching, that is not how you should take defeat.”
Labbett later cleared the air on Twitter, writing: “Apologies to those of you disappointed with my behaviour tonight.
“My mental health was shot before that game, it was storm off or break down in tears.”
The competition veteran added: “A remorseless diet of quality opponents didn’t help.”
His followers were pretty understanding, with one person commenting: “Tbh you were kind and courteous to the team and their success then reacted angrily with yourself and that’s fine. It’s when the chaser is rude or short with the team that annoys me but you didn’t do that.”
Another said: “You should never have to apologise for the crime of ‘being human’. I’d have been nowhere on those questions.”
A third replied: “My daughter & I assumed it was a bit of theatre, so the only disappointment is hearing that you were struggling at the time [Crying face emoji]. Everyone is allowed a bad day, & I will be showing your post to my 13yo tonight so she knows it’s OK to be frustrated sometimes, too.”
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