The Chase's Mark Labbett addresses future on ITV show with three-word statement

Mark Labbett has been "The Beast" on The Chase alongside host Bradley Walsh since 2009, when the gameshow launched. Before finding fame as the most notorious Chaser, Mark was a supply teacher, and he appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in April 2006.

Many fans of the show assumed Mark got this nickname because of his formidable quizzing talents and imposing stature. However, he actually coined the name "The Beast" due to his surname. This is because La bête is French for the word beast, and his last name is Labbett. Mark has also starred in The Chase in other parts of the globe such as Australia and the United States of America.

The star is a fan favourite who is still feared by contestants who have to compete against him on the show, as he has such a wealth of knowledge on a plethora of subjects.

However, Mark hinted his days on The Chase could be numbered during an interview with express.co.uk at the National Television Awards recently.

When asked if he had any plans to quit the ITV series, he simply replied: "You never know."

He expanded: "I take great pride in being, as I modestly put it, the best Chaser in the world. I love my job, even though it's a part-time gig.

"I won't even deny it if I'm lucky enough to get a good offer elsewhere for a full-time gig. But until that time, I'll keep working."

The only other original UK Chaser besides Mark is his colleague Shaun Wallace, better known to viewers as The Dark Destroyer.

Shaun stated last year that he has no plans to leave the programme unless bosses say he is no longer needed as a Chaser.

The Chase airs on weekdays at 5pm on ITV and ITVX.