Fans of Celebs Go Dating were left stunned during last night’s episode as Mark Labbett, famously known as The Beast on The Chase, fumbled his way through a cringe-worthy first date. Paired with fellow quiz enthusiast Natalie, the 6ft 6in brainbox struggled to keep the evening on track, leading to a series of awkward moments that had viewers both laughing and wincing.
From the outset, Mark appeared visibly exhausted, yawning directly in Natalie’s face and even closing his eyes for several seconds during their dinner. The moment was so prolonged that narrator Rob Beckett couldn’t resist poking fun, quipping, “Catching 40 winks whilst eating is a skill.” But the real jaw-dropper came when Mark, in a moment of confusion, picked up a tea light candle and attempted to drink from it, mistaking it for his glass. Realizing his blunder, he exclaimed, “Oh, that’s not a drink!” prompting an awkward giggle from Natalie.
4 Mark Labbett appeared to fall asleep on his Celebs Go Dating date
4 He then started drinking from a tea light
4 His amazing date Natalie took it all in her stride
Clearly embarrassed, Mark admitted, “That was so embarrassing. I’m trying my best for Natalie, but she’s not getting the best out of me. Sorry, love.” Shortly after, he called it a night, confessing he was too tired to continue and needed to head to bed.
Mark, who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2017, has previously shared that filming long hours can take a toll on his health. In an exclusive interview, he revealed that a similar date during the show’s production ended early due to a hypoglycemia episode, where his blood sugar dropped dangerously low. “My glucose levels went off the scale, and I had a full hypoglycemia episode,” he explained. “I might have got a little bit grumpy.” Mark noted that the extended filming schedule, combined with missing his medication and proper meals, contributed to the incident. “I got it back down to normal very quickly once I had a walk and plenty of water,” he added, jokingly suggesting that future reality TV contracts should include “siesta breaks” for his much-needed naps.
Viewers were left reeling from the uncomfortable date, with social media buzzing about the awkward encounter. One fan posted, “Never been as uncomfortable watching a date on TV as I am watching The Beast’s.” Another remarked, “How that woman hasn’t got up and walked from the date with Mark, I don’t know.” A third viewer summed it up: “The Beast’s first date has me both laughing and cringing in equal measures.”
The 60-year-old quizmaster, who recently celebrated his birthday, joined Celebs Go Dating following his split from TV presenter Hayley Palmer, 44, whom he dated after parting ways with his wife Katie, 31, in 2020. Mark shares a seven-year-old son with Katie. Reflecting on his dating journey, he admitted, “I’m not the most clued-up person when it comes to relationships, so I listened to the experts who were very good.”
Despite the disastrous date with Natalie, there’s a silver lining for Mark. Sources reveal that he has since found a spark with 5ft 2in Deanne Perkins, 57, with whom he “instantly connected” on the show. While his first date may have been a flop, it seems The Beast is still in the hunt for love—and fans are eager to see how his journey unfolds.