Mark Labbett, best known as “The Beast” on The Chase, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, both physically and personally. 

As he nears his 60th birthday, the quiz expert is reflecting on his journey, which has included battling health challenges, significant weight loss, and his role as a devoted father. 

However, despite his many accomplishments, one lingering fear weighs heavily on his mind—whether he will live long enough to see his son, Lawrence, graduate.

A Life-Changing Health Battle

Labbett’s life took a dramatic turn after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Weighing nearly 29 stone at his heaviest, he recognized the need for a major lifestyle change. 

His biggest weakness, he admits, has always been sugar. 

Despite years of fluctuating weight, he has now made significant progress in managing his health, particularly since becoming a father.

“I’ve always been surprisingly fit for my size, but I carried a lot of visceral fat, which is dangerous,” he explained. His weight loss journey has been transformative, and today, he estimates that he is down to around 18 stone—closer to the physique he had when he played rugby in his teenage years.

The Reality of Aging and Health Concerns

In addition to diabetes, Labbett recently experienced his first serious battle with arthritis, a condition that caught him off guard. “You go through life thinking you’re immortal, and then suddenly, when you struggle to walk up stairs, you realize you’re not,” he said. This health scare reinforced the importance of staying disciplined with his diet and exercise routine.

To help manage his diabetes, Labbett started wearing a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring Patch. This device has provided real-time insights into his glucose levels, helping him make better dietary choices. “It’s been a real eye-opener,” he admitted. “I’ve realized I have to be far more disciplined with carbs and sugars.”

A Father’s Deepest Fear

While his health journey has been largely successful, Labbett carries a deep fear—whether he will live long enough to see his son graduate. At 59, he is well aware of the potential impact of his past weight and health struggles on his lifespan.

“One of my life goals, because I was a more mature father when Lawrence was born, is to see him graduate,” Labbett shared. “He’ll be 21 when I’m around 71 or 72, and that’s my mission.”

Despite these concerns, he remains optimistic. He takes comfort in his family’s genetics, noting that the men on his father’s side have lived long lives. Additionally, he has always maintained a relatively healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, excessive drinking, drugs, and gambling.

Fatherhood and Future Goals

Fatherhood has been one of the greatest joys of Labbett’s life. He beams with pride when talking about his son, especially when it comes to their shared love of mathematics. “He’s inherited my maths ability, which I’m not upset about either,” he joked. “He’s healthy, smart, and tall—what more could you want?”

Despite his busy career, he cherishes the time he spends with Lawrence and is committed to providing a stable and loving environment for him.

Career Ambitions and Looking Ahead

As he approaches 60, Labbett is not slowing down anytime soon. His career as a professional quizzer continues to thrive. Having appeared on The Chase for over a decade, he takes great pride in his role, even calling himself the most experienced Chaser in the world.

“I like being regarded as pretty clever, and I like possibly being the best in the world at what I do,” he admitted. His passion for quizzing has taken him beyond the UK, as he has also starred in versions of The Chase in multiple countries, including the U.S.

While he is grateful for his career success, Labbett still has one major ambition left—hosting his own quiz show. “I’m hoping one day ITV will say, ‘Mark, your time has come,’” he shared. Until then, he is content continuing his work on The Chase, engaging with fans, and focusing on his health and family.

Determined to Keep Fighting

Mark Labbett’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. From battling diabetes and losing an incredible amount of weight to embracing fatherhood and continuing to dominate in the world of quizzing, he has shown remarkable perseverance.

Yet, beneath his many accomplishments lies a vulnerable and deeply human concern—the fear of not being there for his son’s biggest milestones. As he continues to prioritize his health, Labbett remains steadfast in his mission to be there for Lawrence, proving that his greatest motivation isn’t just winning quiz battles—it’s winning the fight for his future.

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