The Chase star Mark Labbett explains biggest concern about host Bradley Walsh

05 January 2024 , 17:32

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The Chase star Mark Labbett explains biggest concern about host Bradley Walsh

Mark Labbett says the ‘chasers’ biggest concern is keeping host Bradley Walsh fit enough to do a mammoth amount of shows each year.

ITV now have The Chase and Beat The Chasers and 150-200 episodes are filmed each year, with Brad also making other TV series. The professional quizzers, known as the “chasers”, attempt to prevent members of the public from winning a cash prize, but also now keep their eye on Brad so he does not overdo things. Chaser Mark, 58, said: “Our biggest worry is Bradley being 63 now. Every month, we’re going, ‘You okay, Brad? How’s the health?’ Wrap him in bubble wrap! He’s so damn popular you’re more worried about what he signed up for now.

Having said that, I’m going to see the next series of Gladiator because they film it up in Sheffield. I couldn’t go to the last series because I was abroad, but I’ve already planned it.” Next week sees the return of celebs on the quiz in Beat The Chasers, and despite being a brainbox, Mark also admitted he isn’t necessarily the best Chaser on the show.

The Beast, Mark Labbett, and Bradley Walsh (ITV)

Mark added: “In fairness, Paul(Sinha) is so quick these days, and he practices it. Consistently, he’s our top scorer. So, there’s very much a pyramid. It’s Paul first who gets about three questions right on average, then it’s Jenny and me who get about two each other, and then there’s the rest. But we’re the quick ones. We do have people say, ‘They give you the answers though, right?’ I always point out that we’re all international quizzers, I mean, Anne is a two-time work ladies champion. They think you can’t be that good and the answer is we are.

“People are often shocked to see me in a supermarket. I think being on the telly, people assume you’re a billionaire so they seem surprised you do your own food shop!”

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In the opening episode of the new series of the spin off from the main show, comedian Nish Kumar, comedian Chris McCausland, footballer Mary Earps and Pointless host Alexander Armstrong take on the quiz experts hoping to win big money for their chosen charities.

• Beat The Chasers returns on Friday Jan 12 at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.

Mark Jefferies