Mark Labbett has apologised to viewers after an emotional moment on The Chase saw him walk off the set and hit a wall following a defeat.
The incident happened during an episode featuring contestants Simon, Trudy, Gurbinder and Tom, who successfully made it through to the Final Chase against Labbett, better known as The Beast.
After a tense showdown, the contestants managed to beat the Chaser and walk away with an impressive £21,000 prize.
But the result appeared to hit Labbett particularly hard.
‘I’m Off!’
After the contestants secured their victory, host Bradley Walsh turned to Labbett and asked what he had to say.
The Chaser congratulated the team before abruptly adding: “I’m off!”
He then stood up and walked away from the set, striking the wall as he left.
Bradley later addressed the unusual moment while speaking to viewers.
“I apologise to any kids watching, that is not how you should take defeat,” he said.
The incident quickly prompted concern and discussion among viewers, with many wondering what had caused such a strong reaction from the normally composed quizzer.
Mark Explains What Happened
Labbett later took to Twitter to apologise for his behaviour and explain what had been happening behind the scenes.
He revealed that he had already been struggling with his mental health before the game began.
“Apologies to those of you disappointed with my behaviour tonight,” he wrote.
“My mental health was shot before that game, it was storm off or break down in tears.”
He also suggested that facing a succession of strong opponents had made the situation even more difficult.
“A remorseless diet of quality opponents didn’t help #thechase,” he added.
His candid explanation prompted an outpouring of support from fans and fellow Chasers.
Apologies to those of you disappointed with my behaviour tonight. My mental health was shot before that game, it was storm off or break down in tears. A remorseless diet of quality opponents didn’t help #thechase
— Mark Labbett (@MarkLabbett) January 26, 2022
Fans Rally Around The Beast
Fellow Chaser Paul Sinha was among those defending Labbett, writing: “You should never have to apologise for the crime of ‘being human’. I’d have been nowhere on those questions.”
Other viewers echoed the sentiment, encouraging Labbett to be kinder to himself and reminding him that everyone experiences difficult days.
One fan said they had initially assumed the outburst was part of his on-screen persona, while another praised him as a quizzer and television personality and wished him well.
The messages reflected the strong support Labbett had received from viewers who recognised that the moment appeared to come during a particularly difficult period for him.
It Wasn’t the First Time He Had Stormed Off
Labbett had previously explained his intense competitive nature after another memorable incident on The Chase in 2017.
Speaking to Lorraine, he admitted that his desire to win came from wanting to be the best at what he does.
He acknowledged that saying he was the best in the world might sound arrogant, but insisted that, in his field, it was true.
“I want to live up to that,” he explained. “All of us just want to be the best.”
For Labbett, the latest incident offered a glimpse of just how seriously he takes that competition — while his own explanation made clear that, on this occasion, there was more going on than simply losing a game.