The Chase’s Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett dramatically AXED from show’s US version

THE Chase star Mark 'The Beast' Labbett has said he's "gutted" after being dropped from the show's US version.

The 56-year-old star - one of the world's most feared quizzers - explained he hasn't been invited back.

America's ABC channel revealed a new line-up of Chasers, meaning there was no space for Mark.

He wrote about how disappointed he was online and when asked if he was not appearing for contract reasons replied: "No they just didn’t renew me. No reason was offered."

The Chase's US account tweeted ahead of a new series: "New season. New Chasers.

"Victoria Groce, Brandon Blackwell, and Buzzy Cohen join Brad Rutter and James Holzhauer on May 3 when #TheChase returns."

Mark replied: "Gutted to not be invited back but really excited at the new lineup. Am expecting Brandon and Victoria to wow America :)."

Proving there are no hard feeling torwards the new arrivals, he added: "They will be fantastic :) Bon chance!"

New Yorker Brandon has appeared on the UK's University Challenge while Victoria - widely regarded as among the greatest quizzers - was recommended by Mark.

Meanwhile Mark has been back in The Beast mode, filming new episodes of Beat The Chasers in the UK.

He posted a picture of him and Shaun 'Dark Destroyer' Wallace on the set of the show in their regular clothes.

The star wrote: "Be afraid, be very afraid :)" tagging in his 61-year-old co-star.

However, one person who won't be returning for the next series of Beat The Chasers is Anne Hegerty, who has been ruled out with Covid.

She tweeted this afternoon: "Unfortunately I’ve contracted Covid-19 so won’t be filming this series of #BeatTheChasers."

Tagging in The Chase Australia's Issa Schultz, she added: "The fantastic @Issa25 will be stepping in for me and I’m looking forward to watching the series when it’s on air later this year.

"I feel fine, but I'm still positive! (in all respects)."