The Chase’s Mark Labbett reveals exciting new job after being axed from US series amid plummeting ratings

THE Chase’s Mark Labbett has announced he’s found an exciting new job after he was axed from the US version of the show earlier this year.

Fan-favourite chaser Mark, appeared on the US version of The Chase from 2013 to 2015, and again from 2021 to 2022, but was axed ahead of its third season on ABC.

Along with Shaun Wallace, Mark is the only chaser to have starred on the UK quiz show since it first launched in 2009. 

Over the past decade, The Chase has spawned several international spin-off, including The Chase USA and The Chase Australia, both of which Mark, 56, has appeared on. 

After several stints on the US version of The Chase, Mark joined the show as a regular chaser in 2021. 

However, he was axed from the series just one year later amid plummeting ratings. 

Addressing the decision on Twitter, he said: “Gutted to not be invited back but really excited at the new lineup. I am expecting Brandon and Victoria to wow America!”

He added: “They just didn’t renew me. No reason was offered.”

While Mark wasn’t offered any explanation, there’s been speculation that it was due to the show’s declining ratings.

Specialist game show website BuzzerBlog took to Twitter to explain the series’ decline to viewers. 

“The Chase has had an alarming downward trend for season 3. It lost 33% of its demo (0.32) and nearly 40% of its viewers (2.229M average). 

“Hopefully the last half of season 3 does better,” they added. 

However, a reply to the Tweet from US TV producer Jorge Andres Mondaca stirred up a debate online. 

“Bring back @MarkLabbett,” he wrote. 

Viewers then immediately piled on support for the chaser and called for his return.

“Yessss! Bring back the Beastie!” one viewer said in agreement.

“Less Beastie makes it less fun,” another added. 

However, Mark revealed that he’d already moved on.

“Too late, I work for GSN now,” he revealed.

GSN — or the Game Show Network — is a US cable channel owned by Sony. They produce shows like The $100,000 Pyramid and Family Feud.

Jorge responded to Mark’s announcement, tweeting: “Their loss, Mr. Beast :). Hope you are well Sir.”

Mark and GSN are yet to confirm which US game show he will appear on next. 

In the meantime, he will continue to appear on the UK version of The Chase, as well as the spin-off, Beat the Chasers. 

New episodes of The Chase will premiere on Tuesday 1 September on ITV usual 5pm time slot.