Fans of ITV’s The Charge know Mark Labbett as “The Beast,” the towering trivia titan who dominates the quiz show with his razor-sharp intellect. But as he steps into the world of Celebs Go Dating, viewers are about to discover a side of Mark that’s far removed from the fierce competitor they’re used to. With the help of the show’s dating experts, Mark is ready to bare his soul—and maybe a bit more—in his quest for love.
Mark, 60, joins the agency in tonight’s episode, bringing his larger-than-life personality and a surprising vulnerability to the dating scene. “I’ve been single for most of my life,” he admitted before his debut, revealing a personal challenge that sets him apart from his on-screen persona. “I’m a little bit on the spectrum. I find human signals much harder than trivia. Facts are easy; people are complicated.” This candid confession hints at the emotional journey ahead, as Mark navigates the complexities of romance with the same determination he brings to the quiz table.
Dating expert Anna Williamson, speaking to The Mirror, teased that Mark’s appearance on the show will be nothing short of “extraordinary.” She predicted that “a lot of the headlines are going to be around Mark,” and it’s not hard to see why. Beyond his towering 6’6” frame and encyclopedic knowledge, Mark’s time on Celebs Go Dating promises moments of heartfelt sincerity—and unexpected hilarity.
One such moment, which Anna described as both shocking and side-splitting, might not even make it to air. During a rare, tender scene with Mark, the mood was soft and introspective—until it wasn’t. “Let’s just say I think he was holding in a bit of flatulence throughout that session because it certainly came out once he left,” Anna revealed, barely containing her laughter. This cheeky anecdote, while potentially too risqué for the final cut, showcases Mark’s ability to surprise, even in the most unguarded moments.
Mark’s journey on the show hasn’t been without its challenges. He opened up about a health scare during filming, recalling a “hypoglycaemic attack” linked to his diabetes. “I might have been a bit grumpy that night,” he admitted. “I apologised to everyone after.” A quick nap on set helped him recover, but the incident underscores the real-life struggles Mark faces behind his larger-than-life persona.
Mark’s romantic history adds another layer of intrigue to his Celebs Go Dating stint. Previously married to Katie, who was 27 years his junior, from 2014 to 2020, their relationship began with a chance connection on Facebook in 2010. Sparks didn’t fly until 2012, when Mark invited her to a celebrity special of The Chase. After their split, he dated TV presenter Hayley Palmer, but their romance ended after just a year. Now, with the guidance of Anna and the Celebs Go Dating team, Mark is determined to find “the one.” But will he succeed?