The Chase star Mark Labbett furious after being ‘benched’ by ITV bosses

Mark Labbett, known to millions as one of the star “Chasers” on the hit ITV quiz show *The Chase*, 

has expressed his fury after being left out of several recent episodes of the program. 

His absence from the popular quiz show has caused quite a stir among fans, with many questioning why the beloved quiz master has been “benched” by ITV bosses. 

Labbett, who has been a fixture on the show for over a decade, has made no secret of his frustration with the network’s decision to leave him out of the lineup for multiple episodes. 

His fans, who have followed his sharp wit and quick mind over the years, were particularly vocal about missing his presence on the show. 

Labbett himself has now broken his silence, revealing his anger at being sidelined without explanation, and expressing his disappointment in ITV’s handling of the situation.

The 58-year-old quiz expert, often referred to as “The Beast” for his formidable knowledge and intimidating persona, has been one of the cornerstones of *The Chase* since its debut in 2009. His towering presence and razor-sharp intellect have made him a fan favorite over the years, and his chemistry with the show’s hosts and contestants alike has contributed to the program’s massive success. As one of the original Chasers, Labbett has become synonymous with the show, and his absence has left a noticeable void for viewers who have come to associate him with the high-stakes drama and intensity of the quiz. 

Labbett’s frustration stems from the fact that he was not given a clear explanation for why he was being left out of the episodes, which only fueled the speculation and rumors surrounding his departure from the show. Fans took to social media in droves, expressing their confusion and disappointment, with many wondering whether Labbett’s absence was part of a larger shift in the show’s direction. Some even speculated that ITV was planning to phase him out in favor of other Chasers, which further compounded the tension and uncertainty surrounding his future on *The Chase*. These rumors have been a source of constant anxiety for both Labbett and his loyal fanbase, who have been left in the dark about the true reasons for his exclusion.

In a recent interview, Labbett was candid about his feelings, expressing how hurt and frustrated he was by the situation. “It’s been really upsetting to be sidelined like this, especially after everything I’ve contributed to the show over the years,” he said. “I’ve given my all to *The Chase*, and I’ve always enjoyed being part of the team. To not be given an explanation as to why I was left out of the episodes has been difficult to digest. I feel like I deserve more respect than this.” Labbett went on to explain that, while he has always been open to change and innovation on the show, being left out without any clear communication from ITV made him feel undervalued and overlooked. The fact that no official reason had been given for his absence added to the sense of betrayal he felt.

The decision to bench Labbett has sparked further discussion about the internal workings of *The Chase* and ITV’s treatment of its stars. While the network has yet to release an official statement explaining the reasons behind his exclusion, it is clear that Labbett’s absence has raised questions about the future direction of the show and the roles of the Chasers. ITV has a history of making changes to its programming, sometimes opting for new faces or formats in an effort to keep things fresh and engaging for viewers. However, fans have been quick to point out that *The Chase* has always been successful due in part to the chemistry between its hosts and Chasers, and that Labbett’s unique contribution to the show is irreplaceable.

Despite his anger, Labbett has expressed a desire to continue his work on *The Chase* and remains committed to the show that made him a household name. He has acknowledged that the entertainment industry can be unpredictable and that sometimes changes are made that are beyond one’s control. However, he made it clear that he would appreciate better communication from ITV moving forward and a clearer understanding of his role on the show. “If they’re planning to change things, that’s fine, but I just want to be told. I’ve been loyal to *The Chase* for years, and I think I deserve a bit more transparency,” he said.

Labbett’s absence from the show has also led to speculation about the future of the Chasers as a whole. The addition of new Chasers in recent years, such as Darragh Ennis and Paul Sinha, has introduced fresh dynamics to the show, but it remains to be seen how these changes will affect the show’s overall feel. Labbett’s passionate following and long-standing role on *The Chase* mean that his absence is keenly felt, and many fans are hoping to see him back in action soon. ITV, meanwhile, faces pressure to address the issue and offer clarity on why Labbett was sidelined and what his future on the show looks like.

In the wake of Labbett’s comments, many fans have expressed their support for him, urging ITV to reinstate him and recognize the important role he plays in the show’s success. While the network has not yet issued a public apology or explanation for the decision, Labbett’s candidness has certainly sparked important conversations about how TV networks treat their stars and the importance of keeping loyal fans informed. As the situation unfolds, viewers will be watching closely to see whether ITV will listen to the backlash and offer a resolution that satisfies both Labbett and his dedicated fanbase.

Mark Labbett’s fury over being benched by ITV has ignited a broader debate about transparency, fairness, and respect in the entertainment industry. As a long-standing figure on *The Chase*, Labbett’s feelings of being sidelined highlight the challenges that come with fame and the complex dynamics between television networks and their talent. Whether or not Labbett will return to *The Chase* remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his absence has left a significant gap on the show, and fans are eager to see the return of the formidable quizmaster they’ve come to know and love.

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