The Chase’s Mark Labbett told off by co-star as she talks ‘ups and downs’

EXCLUSIVE: The Chase’s Mark Labbett is set to try his luck at romance on the latest series of Celebs Go Dating, after parting ways with Hayley Palmer last year.

Mark Labbett is best known as The Beast on The Chase

Mark Labbett, known as The Beast on The Chase, is “one of the most fascinating” hopefuls to appear on Celebs Go Dating, according to Anna Williamson. Following his split from Hayley Palmer last year, the 60-year-old admitted he had been living “quietly” in Yorkshire, and enjoying being alone.

Now ready to find love again, the Devon born star has embarked on a new journey with the help of dating experts; Anna, Paul C Brunson, and Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn.

Ahead of Mark’s dates hitting the screens, Anna, 44, opened up about his progress during the show. She spilled: “Mark is probably one of the most fascinating celebrities we’ve ever had. Let’s just say, for me, he’s an appointment to view. He gives us it all!”.

The dating guru also hinted at some challenges they faced together, adding: “He has a few ups and downs with us agents, I will throw that out there. Mark is definitely a force to be reckoned with and I think he met his reckoning force in us. Let’s just say we don’t tolerate any clap back in the agency.”

Mark Labbett is hoping to find love on Celebs Go Dating

Anna emphasised that any stern words that the agents give to the celebrities will always come “from a place of love”, adding: “We run a tight ship at the agency and as professionals, we will always hold our boundaries.

“We are not there to make friends we are there to coach people,” she added, though acknowledged that is was inevitable to sometimes “become extremely fond of our celebs”.

Discussing his process on the show, Mark said he is “terrible” at dating, yet insisted that the advice he was given from the dating experts was beneficial.

He revealed: “Well, I would say I was terrible, but apparently, according to the agents, I did a bit better than that. So I have a rule in life and that is when you chat to an expert, listen to them. Take it on board. And I will blow my own trumpet.

“I did listen to them and hopefully, I got a bit better at dating as a result of this.”

Celebs Go Dating coaches Anna Williamson, Paul C Brunson, Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn and receptionist Tom Read Wilson

When asked about the specific guidance he received, he said there were “suggestions of flirting”, which “didn’t feel natural” to him.

“But the major one there was to really listen and take an interest and I have got to say that kind of worked,” he added during his conversation with Channel 4.

The quiz ace joins other celebrities such as Christine McGuinness, Kerry Katona, Olivia Hawkins, and Jon Lee on the show, all in pursuit of finding their perfect match.

In a new update on his love life, The Sun reports that Mark has been enjoying time with a dating hopeful from the show, who he “instantly connected” with.

A source said the pair have been “getting to know each other away from the cameras” and claimed that “Mark discovered a lot about himself through the coaching on the series”. A spokesperson for Mark reportedly declined to comment.

Anna Williamson is a relationship expert and Channel 4’s Celebs Go Dating Agent, follow here @AnnaWilliamson. Watch and stream the new series of Celebs Go Dating on E4 now.