Mark Labbett breaks silence after surprise axe from The Chase US

MARK Labbett has opened up about being unexpectedly dropped from The Chase US.

The Beast has become a household name following his iconic role on the ITV game show, The Chase.

Following its success in the UK, Mark became the only Chaser on the American version and also joined the Australian show with co-stars Anne Hegerty and Shaun Wallace.

However, after two years on ABC’s US revival of the quiz show, Mark was unexpectedly dropped ahead of the third season.

He confirmed that he had not been re-signed via Twitter in February this year.

He said: “Not been re-signed, That’s life. Grateful for the opportunity to work with - and compare myself to - the GOATS.”

Nine months later, Mark has remained pragmatic as he looks back on his exit.

“In one sense, it was always going to happen because there are so many quality American quizzers out there," he told the .

“I’m actually very thankful for the fact I got a year out there where I did a decent job, I think, and more importantly, I got paid in dollars so happy days! 

“The irony was that the American show wanted some more diverse Chasers and I found them two of them who I know well, I got them the best female quizzer in the world!

“But I got one good year and I am still working out in America just on a different show so reputation is everything.” 

Despite Mark’s optimism, the decision to axe him from the show did not go down well with viewers and many have called for him to return.

In August, it was also reported that The Chase US had suffered a 40 per cent drop in viewing figures, according to news site BuzzerBlog.

The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV.