Mark Labbett has dramatically cut down his weight (Image: ABC via Getty Images)
s Mark “The Beast” Labbett has opened up about his battle with his weight over the years. At 59, Labbett, who has been a fixture on ‘s since its inception in 2009, has transformed his life following a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Speaking to OK! magazine, he confessed that “sugar” used to be his downfall. But now, inspired by his son Lawrence from his former marriage to Katie Labbett, Mark is more driven than ever to lead a wholesome lifestyle.
He also revealed he suffered a painful attack of arthritis last year, which has further spurred on his ambition to lose weight. He said: “It was a shock to the system because until then, you believe you’re invincible. But when you struggle to climb stairs, you realise you’re not.
“I had been gradually letting my glucose levels slide and indulging in too many cheats, so when I put on my monitor, I was taken aback by my glucose levels. It’s been a real revelation. I’ve been performing panto with it on, and you can almost see the glucose level in real time. It’s made me understand that I need to be much more disciplined with carbs and sugars.
Mark Labbett has found love once again (Image: Instagram)
He also shared that his goal was to watch his son graduate, and he’s determined to stay healthy enough to see it. He added: “He’ll be 21 when I’m 71 or 72, and that’s my mission. I’m just pleased he’s a well-adjusted young man. He’s inherited my maths ability, which I’m not upset about either. He’s healthy, smart and tall what more could you want?”
The star also discussed his future on The Chase, revealing his ambition to host his own quiz show. He said: “I still have one major aspiration: to host my own quiz show before I get too old. My hope is that ITV will eventually give me the opportunity, saying, “Mark, your time has come. Until then, I will continue to work diligently for them.”
Mark Labbett has dramatically cut down his weight (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
He continued: “Pride and ego are the whips that drive me. I like being regarded as pretty clever, I like possibly being the best in the world at what I do, and that’s what drives me. I never want to be just making up the numbers. I’m literally the world’s most experienced Chaser. I’m the only one who’s done it in three different countries. I keep looking around when I’m on set and thinking, ‘They’re paying me to do this!'”
The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV.