Fans Surprised to Learn the True Origin of Mark Labbett’s Nickname 'The Beast' on The Chase
Discover the surprising origin behind Mark Labbett's iconic nickname 'The Beast' on The Chase—it's not what you think!
Mark Labbett, affectionately known as "The Beast" on the popular ITV quiz show The Chase, has been a fixture on the program since its inception. With his towering presence and intimidating quizzing skills, many viewers assumed his nickname was a nod to his large stature—standing at an impressive six foot six—or his formidable intelligence.
However, the real story behind his nickname has recently left fans both surprised and amused.
Before his rise to TV fame, Labbett had an impressive background as a maths and PE teacher and was a regular competitor in various quiz tournaments. His quizzing prowess was so formidable that he even represented Wales at the European Quiz Championships.
In 2009, his deep well of general knowledge and competitive spirit earned him a spot as one of the original chasers on The Chase, where he quickly became known for dashing contestants’ hopes of winning big cash prizes.
Given his imposing physical presence and his mental agility, it’s easy to see why viewers might assume "The Beast" was a fitting moniker for someone of his stature and quizzing capability. But the truth behind the nickname is actually a clever play on words related to Labbett’s surname. "La bête," the French phrase for "the beast," bears a striking resemblance to his last name, and thus, the nickname was born.
This revelation has left many fans of the show in shock, with several taking to social media to express their surprise.
One fan on X (formerly known as Twitter) exclaimed, "Wait, am I the last person to find out that The Beast on The Chase was called that because ‘La bête’ is French for beast and his last name is Labbett!? I genuinely thought it was another 'big lad' type of name!" Others quickly chimed in, sharing that they too were "today years old" when they learned the truth behind the iconic nickname.
ITV
While Labbett’s nickname might be the most surprising, he’s not the only chaser to have a story behind their title.
Each chaser on The Chase has a distinct nickname that adds to their character on the show. Anne Hegerty, who is known as "The Governess," revealed that she was initially going to be called "The Headmistress."
However, during rehearsals, host Bradley Walsh began referring to her as "The Governess," a title that Hegerty found more fitting and, in her words, "kinky." The name stuck, and it’s now an integral part of her on-screen persona.
Similarly, Darragh Ennis, another chaser, was initially set to be called "The Professor." However, Ennis, who works in academia at the University of Oxford, felt that the title "Professor" should be earned and opted instead for "The Menace," a nickname that still carries the sense of intellectual challenge without the academic connotations.
Instagram/@markthebeastlabbett
These nicknames have become beloved by fans and are as much a part of the show as the quizzing itself. For Labbett, "The Beast" not only reflects his formidable presence on the show but also pays homage to his surname in a way that is both clever and memorable.
As fans continue to tune in to watch The Chase, these stories add an extra layer of intrigue to the already thrilling game show.
Sophia
