The latest season of Celebs Go Dating has fans glued to their screens, with celebrities like Kerry Katona, Olivia Hawkins, Sam Prince, and Donna Preston diving into the unpredictable world of romance under the guidance of the show’s expert matchmakers. As anticipation builds for the upcoming episodes, the show’s resident sexpert, Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, has dropped an exciting tease about one star’s jaw-dropping transformation that’s set to steal the spotlight.
The celebrity in question? None other than Mark Labbett, famously known as The Beast on The Chase. According to Dr. Tara, Mark, who’s known for his formidable presence on the quiz show, is about to reveal a softer, sweeter side that will leave viewers stunned. Speaking to The Sun, she hinted at what’s to come: “He’s supposed to be this intimidating guy on his other show, but audiences will see him opening up more, dating in a more active and romantic way. You’ll see quite a big transformation. It’s lovely to see an older man embracing the romantic side of dating and becoming a little bit sweeter and softer.”
Mark, 60, made his grand entrance to the Celebs Go Dating agency on August 20, joining the other stars fresh from their sun-soaked stint in Ibiza. From the moment he stepped into the spotlight, he was candid about his longing for love. “I’ve been single for just over a year,” he shared with the cameras, “and I miss the companionship and fun that comes with a relationship.” His journey kicked off with a heartfelt sit-down with experts Paul C. Brunson and Dr. Tara, where he laid bare the struggles of his past romantic life.
When asked what was missing in his previous relationships, Mark didn’t hold back. “Probably a degree of self-confidence to say no,” he admitted. “I tended to go with the flow. I was single for nearly 20 years, and that has its highs and lows. When you’re up at 400 pounds, you don’t do a lot of dating.” In a vulnerable moment, he opened up further, revealing how his weight—peaking at 29 stone (400 pounds)—impacted his dating life. “Women don’t notice you as a prospective partner,” he confessed. “I did give up a little bit.”
Mark’s first date at the agency was a memorable, if slightly awkward, affair. Paired with Natalie, he struggled to bring his A-game, yawning repeatedly and even closing his eyes at one point during dinner. Narrator Rob Beckett couldn’t resist poking fun, quipping, “Catching 40 winks whilst eating is a skill.” The date took an even funnier turn when Mark mistakenly reached for a tea light instead of his drink, blurting out, “Oh, that’s not a drink!” Reflecting on the moment in his confessional, he said, “That was so embarrassing. I’m trying my best for Natalie, but she’s not getting the best out of me. Sorry, love.”
Mark’s romantic history adds another layer to his story. Previously married to his second cousin Katie, who was 27 years his junior, from 2014 to 2020, their relationship ended due to their age gap and the strains of lockdown life. At the time, Katie had been dating someone else for 18 months after the couple opened their relationship. More recently, Mark dated TV presenter Hayley Palmer, but their romance ended in May 2024 after a year. “She’s a lovely lady, and I was very lucky to date her,” Mark reflected. “It’s me—I got old.”
Yet, despite these setbacks, Mark’s vow to find love again is fueling what Dr. Tara calls a “big transformation.” As he navigates the dating world with renewed determination, viewers can expect to see The Beast tamed—not by intimidation, but by the power of vulnerability and romance. With the experts’ guidance and his own willingness to grow, Mark Labbett is poised to become the surprise package of this season, proving that even the toughest exteriors can soften in the pursuit of love.