Mark Labbett: Health, Marriage, Children, and Net Worth

For anyone who’s seen Mark Labbett dominate The Chase as “The Beast,” his towering frame and quick-fire answers are a familiar sight. But behind the buzzer lies a personal story of health battles, family changes, and persistent internet rumors. This article sorts fact from fiction, covering his type 2 diabetes, weight loss, marriage split, and the truth about that cousin marriage myth.

Full Name: Mark Andrew Labbett ·
Nickname: The Beast ·
Date of Birth: 15 August 1965 ·
Height: 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) ·
Children: 1 (son, born 2019) ·
Marital Status: Separated from Katie Labbett (2021)

Eight key facts about Mark Labbett, one pattern: his public life is a mix of verified data and persistent speculation.

The facts below show a clear contrast between public record and private ambiguity.

What illness has Mark Labbett got?

Mark Labbett’s type 2 diabetes diagnosis

• Mark Labbett was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2017, according to Devon Live (a regional news outlet). The diagnosis prompted a major overhaul of his diet and lifestyle.
• In a 2024 interview, Labbett described using a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor patch to manage blood sugar and support weight goals (Mirror, a UK daily newspaper).

The implication: diabetes didn’t sideline his career — it forced a reset that extended his time on screen.

Weight loss journey

• Multiple reports describe Labbett losing around 10 stone (140 lbs) over several years. HELLO! magazine reported in 2025 that he dropped ten stone after lifestyle changes.
• Doctors advised against gastric bypass surgery because of how his body processes sugar, per Devon Live.
• His weight loss reportedly began during the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 (Mirror).

Health update 2024

• As of 2024, Labbett continues to manage his diabetes and has also mentioned living with arthritis (HELLO!).
• He remains a regular chaser on The Chase, with no plans to quit.

The catch: the same condition that nearly ended his career now keeps him fit enough to outrun contestants.

How many children has Mark Labbett got?

Relationship with Katie Labbett

• Mark married Katie Labbett (maiden name not publicly disclosed) reportedly in 2018. The couple separated in 2021 (Yahoo News, syndicated from UK tabloids).
• They announced the split amicably, citing demanding work schedules and personal differences (Mirror).

Son born in 2019

• Mark Labbett has one son, born in 2019. The child’s name has not been made public (HELLO!).
• He co-parents with ex-wife Katie and has spoken about enjoying time with his son.

What this means: fatherhood reshaped Labbett’s priorities — he credits his son with motivating his weight loss and lifestyle changes.

Did Mark Labbett marry his cousin?

Truth about the cousin marriage rumor

• Despite persistent online rumors, Mark Labbett did not marry his cousin. The myth likely stems from confusion over his surname and a misinterpretation of family interviews.
• No credible source supports the claim. Labbett’s wife is Katie Labbett, not a relative.

Mark Labbett’s marriage to Katie

• Mark and Katie married around 2018. Their relationship was low-profile until the separation announcement.
• The couple’s open marriage was reported in some outlets, but neither party has confirmed details (Yahoo News).

The pattern: a baseless rumor persists because of a surname coincidence, not because of any actual family connection.

Why did Mark Labbett split with his wife?

Reasons for separation

• Mark and Katie Labbett separated in 2021. In a statement, they described the decision as mutual and amicable (Mirror).
• Sources cited Labbett’s demanding work schedule — he films The Chase for long stretches — and personal differences as contributing factors.

Current relationship status

• After the split, Labbett entered a relationship with TV presenter Hayley Palmer. They announced their separation in May 2024, days after their one-year anniversary (Daily Mail).
• Labbett remains single as of late 2024, focusing on work and co-parenting.

The trade-off: the same career that made him a household name also cost him his marriage and second relationship.

Which chaser is seriously ill on The Chase?

Mark Labbett’s health issues

• Mark Labbett is the chaser most publicly associated with a serious health condition. His type 2 diabetes diagnosis was disclosed in 2017 (Devon Live).
• He has spoken openly about his struggles and the lifestyle changes that followed.

Other chasers’ health (brief)

• Paul Sinha, another chaser, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019 and continues to work on the show (BBC News).
• This article focuses on Labbett, but the broader point is that multiple chasers manage chronic conditions while performing.

The implication: health issues don’t define the chasers — they adapt, and the show adapts with them.

Mark Labbett’s story is a reminder that the person behind the buzzer faces real battles — diabetes, a broken marriage, and the pressure of public life. The Beast shows that health comes first, even when the show must go on.

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