…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
Mark Labbett, known as ‘The Beast’ on the ITV quiz show The Chase, has opened up about his new relationship with TV presenter Hayley Palmer.
This is the first time he has spoken publicly about his girlfriend since their relationship became known.
Mark was previously married to his second cousin, with whom he shares a child.
In an interview with Mirror, Mark, 57, was asked about spending time doing quizzes with Hayley.
He explained that due to his busy schedule and co-parenting responsibilities with his six-year-old son, he tries to spend as much time as possible with his child.
He also mentioned his upcoming filming commitments in America and his plans with Hayley for the following months.
Although a source confirmed that it’s still early days for Mark and Hayley, they are enjoying each other’s company and having a lot of fun together.
Mark, who has undergone an impressive 10-stone weight loss transformation, recently shared a photo of himself and Hayley on a beach in Southsea, Portsmouth.
The TV star expressed his joy in enjoying simple pleasures like fish and chips followed by ice cream with Hayley in the caption of the Instagram Story.
Hayley Palmer, a TV presenter and showbiz correspondent for GB News, has appeared on various ITV and regional BBC radio stations.
It is believed that the couple met through Hayley’s TV work, and according to reports, Mark has been wooing her through a series of dates.
Hayley, who is 16 years younger than Mark, frequently shares stories of their time together on Instagram and jokingly mentions having to wear high heels when standing next to her 6ft 6inches tall partner.
Mark’s marriage with Kate ended in 2020 after six years, citing their significant age gap and the challenges brought by the COVID-19 lockdowns as contributing factors.
Towards the end of their marriage, they reportedly had an open relationship as Mark tried everything to make it work.