In a shocking revelation, Hayley Palmer, the former partner of The Chase star Mark Labbett, has opened up to Daily Mail about the emotional turmoil of their breakup and the surprising reasons behind it. The TV personality, 44, has vowed not to watch Labbett, 59, as he embarks on a new quest for love on E4’s Celebs Go Dating, alongside stars like Kerry Katona, 44, and Christine McGuinness, 37. The decision comes after what Hayley describes as a “traumatic” end to their relationship, which has left deep scars and lingering questions about Labbett’s tangled personal life.
Hayley and Mark’s romance, which began with promise, ended abruptly in May 2024, just days after celebrating their one-year anniversary. According to Hayley, the breakup came via a brutal three-minute phone call, during which Labbett, known as “The Beast” on The Chase, allegedly blindsided her. She claims the reason for the split was Labbett’s refusal to divorce his ex-wife, Katie, 32, who is also his second cousin. The couple shares a seven-year-old son, Lawrence, adding further complexity to their situation. Hayley told Daily Mail that the sudden end to their relationship left her grappling with “betrayal trauma,” requiring counseling to heal from the emotional fallout.
Reflecting on the split, Hayley shared, “I never in a million years imagined Mark would go on a dating show after such a painful and public breakup. It was really upsetting seeing him pop up on my screen, and I had to turn over.” She admitted that seeing Labbett on Loose Women last year was particularly triggering, especially since they had appeared on the show together just a week before their breakup, discussing their anniversary plans. “My world came crashing down,” she confessed, highlighting the raw pain of the experience.
While Hayley points to Labbett’s reluctance to divorce Katie as the catalyst for their split, the Celebs Go Dating star offers a different perspective. In an interview with The Sun, Labbett downplayed the drama, attributing the breakup to personal struggles, including their 15-year age gap, the strain of the Covid-19 lockdown, and his mental health challenges. “She’s a lovely lady, and I was very lucky to date her for a year,” he said, adding cryptically, “It’s me, I got old.”
Labbett’s marriage to Katie, which ended in 2020, was equally unconventional. The couple attempted an open marriage, which ultimately failed, leading to their separation. At the time, Katie was dating senior design engineer Scott Bate, and Labbett cited the age difference and external pressures as contributing factors to their split. The fact that Katie is his second cousin has long raised eyebrows, adding a layer of controversy to Labbett’s personal life
Despite the heartbreak, Hayley has transformed her pain into purpose. “A year later, I’ve been able to turn past trauma into something positive,” she told Daily Mail. “I feel like I’ve done a lot of glowing up. I am in a really strong, happy place. Feeling very grounded.” Hayley has moved on, revealing she is now dating someone she sees a future with, and she has no plans to tune into Labbett’s Celebs Go Dating debut. “I wish him well—he has wonderful qualities—but I’ve moved forward,” she said firmly.
Hayley is channeling her experiences into helping others, working on a book and coaching individuals who have faced similar challenges. “I’m using my past to inspire others to change their mindset and overcome tough times,” she shared, showcasing her resilience and determination to reclaim her narrative.
As Hayley focuses on her future, Labbett is diving back into the dating pool on Celebs Go Dating, guided by experts Paul Carrick Brunson, Anna Williamson, and Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn. However, his journey is off to a rocky start. At the show’s launch party, Labbett admitted to BANG Showbiz that he recently went on a date where he “couldn’t wait to leave” because he didn’t find the woman attractive. “I should find them really attractive, but instead I can’t wait to get away,” he said, declining to reveal whether the mystery woman was a celebrity. His candid remarks suggest that finding “Mrs. Right” may be more challenging than expected.
Interestingly, Labbett noted that the show has taught him to let go of seeking “perfection” in a partner. “If you expect that from your partner, you can’t get all stroppy when they point out your flaws,” he reflected, hinting at a newfound humility as he navigates modern dating.
The saga of Mark Labbett and Hayley Palmer is a rollercoaster of emotions, from whirlwind romance to public fallout and personal reinvention. Hayley’s claims about Labbett’s refusal to divorce his ex-wife and second cousin, Katie, cast a shadow over his decision to seek love on Celebs Go Dating. Meanwhile, Hayley’s journey from “betrayal trauma” to empowerment serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience in the face of heartbreak. As Labbett steps into the spotlight to find his next match, all eyes will be on whether “The Beast” can tame his complicated past and find true love—or if more secrets will come to light.