One of the two original “Chasers” on the popular ITV1 game show, along with Shaun Wallace, he has spent more than 15 years as a sidekick to presenter Bradley Walsh.
But the expert quizzer, nicknamed “The Beast” for his no-nonsense attitude and witty remarks, admits he would love to step out of his shadow.
Mark, 59, says: “I openly admit that my one ambition left in TV is to host my own quiz or game show.
“I’m constantly, respectfully reminding the boss at ITV: ‘Any chance at one for me!’
“You’ve just got to wait your turn and hope it’s the right format for you. TV is a weird and wonderful environment.”
Mark Labbett details solo career hopes (Image: ITV)
Mark is regarded as the teatime show’s most fearsome Chaser next to “The Dark Destroyer” Wallace, Anne “The Governess” Hegerty, Paul “The Sinnerman” Sinha, Jenny “The Vixen” Ryan and Darragh “The Menace” Ennis.
In recent years, the TV superbrain has lost an incredible 10 stone after deciding to get fit and healthy.
But before his epic weight loss, Mark reveals he was once chased for another role – and for his brawn rather than his brain.
“When Shaun and I were filming the first series (of The Chase) in Manchester, Jeremy Kyle was in the make-up room about to go on his show and he asked us in all seriousness: ‘Would we be interested in working for him as security?’
“Shaun put him straight and quipped: ‘You can’t afford us mate’!”
mark labbett the beast (Image: ITV)
Should he make it on his own, Mark hopes he will be just as successful as long-time host and former Doctor Who star Walsh, 64, whom he credits with making The Chase a hit.
“I’m biased but I think in Bradley, we’ve got the best game show host in the English-speaking world,” he says.
“Seeing as I’ve travelled around the English-speaking world, I’m kind of equipped to make that judgement.”
Despite Bradley’s huge popularity with viewers, he wasn’t supposed to be the original host – that was supposed to be investigative journalist Donal Macintyre.
“Due to a scheduling thing, a window came up for Bradley. He became available and, as they say, the rest is history,” says Mark.
The Chase has been a hit with viewers since 2009 (Image: ITV)
Detailing the quick-witted banter that the Chasers have with Bradley, Mark says: “I think that’s the secret weapon – so many other quiz show hosts would make it about them.
“They do all the talking, we just sit at the top and play the game. Whereas we’re lucky, it’s just developed almost by accident that we get this little rapport with Bradley and he’s generous enough to let us have our bit. I think that’s a real strength.”
He adds: “It feels like it’s a bunch of people in a bar or social setting trying to get one over on each other. So, you’ve got Bradley talking to the contestants, me talking to the contestants, me talking to Bradley, the three of us talking together.
“He even brings in the people backstage. It’s very rare you run out of things to say, that gives the editors so much good stuff to work with.”
The Chase is available to watch weekdays on ITV from 5pm.