THE Chase star Mark “The Beast” Labbett has split from girlfriend Hayley Palmer after a year of dating.
Quiz whizz Mark, 58, ended the relationship just weeks after he and 42-year-old Hayley celebrated their anniversary with a Beefeater pub meal and walk on the beach.
A source said: “Mark had a lovely time with Hayley and has a lot of respect for her but they wanted different things.
“She loves getting dressed up and going out to parties and showbiz events, whereas he prefers to stay at home.
“Mark felt there was too much of an age gap between them for long-term success. They are still friendly.
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“Away from his job on telly and filming, Mark enjoys a quiet life and spending time with his son. He is still hopeful he can meet someone to settle down with one day.”
A spokesman for Mark said: “I can confirm that Mark and Hayley have split. He won’t be making any further comment at this time.”
Mark, who has starred on the hit ITV quiz show for 15 years, first wooed his ex with his Toby Carvery Gold Card.
He said previously: “We found a bench in a peaceful spot by the beach and spent hours talking and getting to know each other.
“We’ve decided to go back there — to Southsea, Portsmouth — to celebrate our anniversary.
“As luck would have it, there’s a nice Beefeater near to where her parents live. They already know Hayley’s order — nachos and chips.”
Smitten Hayley told the Sun on Sunday earlier this month: “He’s very handsome. His cheekbones are better than mine. He should be the next James Bond.
“He makes me feel amazing. If there are other people around, he always includes me and makes me feel really good. He’s so respectful and kind. I couldn’t be happier.”
Mark, who has shed ten stone in recent years, married nurse Katie, 31, in 2014.
They went on to have a son but the relationship ended in 2020.
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He blamed the 27-year age gap between them and said the lockdown had added to their marital woes.
It later emerged that Katie was seeing a 31-year-old man in a relationship that Mark was aware of.
Following their split, Mark said: “All that matters is what is best for our son.”
Mark is estimated to be worth over £12million thanks to his success on The Chase in the UK, US and Australia.
He has been open about his desire to compete in Strictly but reveals he was turned down for I’m A Celeb because of his weight.