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Mark Labbett reveals 10-stone weight loss and bond with Carol Vorderman

Mark Labbett with Bradley Walsh on 'The Chase'. (Credit: ITV)
Mark Labbett with Bradley Walsh on 'The Chase'. (Credit: ITV)

Formidable quiz champion Mark Labbett says his weight is at the lowest it has been for 25 years after he dropped 10 stone from his heaviest weight.

The 55-year-old star of The Chase — nicknamed The Beast — told The Sun he now weighs 19 stone and can buy clothes off the rack rather than ordering special XXXXL garments.

Read more: Labbett says he is now a "skinny beast"

In 2003, when he quit his job as a full-time teacher, he tipped the scales at 29 stone, but a new fitness regime during lockdown has enabled him to slim down considerably.

“As soon as the shops open again, I’m due to do a mega-shop of all the big high street stores because I can now wear Marks & Spencer’s trousers and chinos in an XL," he said.

"It’s the first time I’ve been able to buy off-the-peg in as long as I can remember."

Watch: Salma Hayek posts "liberating" weight loss photo

Labbett was inspired to improve his diet after he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2016, reducing his sugar intake and visiting the gym, as well as only eating two meals per day.

He also said he is now ready to re-enter the dating game, having split from wife Katie last year.

Read more: Labbett barely ate while suffering mystery illness

The quizzer said he likes "smart women" and revealed one particular telly star proved to be a less than suitable partner, despite first impressions.

"I don’t want to name and shame, but I met a lady from TOWIE who should have been the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen," he said.

“Instead, after about ten minutes, I tried to pitch my conversation to her level — and missed. It was a bleak conversation."

Mark Labbett attends the National Television Awards on January 28, 2020. (Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images)
Mark Labbett attends the National Television Awards on January 28, 2020. (Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images)

Labbett did hint that he has been getting on well with another celebrity brainbox, in the shape of former Countdown maths ace Carol Vorderman.

“She’s smart, and she and I have a lot of fun together," said Labbett. "She’s got an IQ of 154, mine is 151, it’s great chatting to her, and we both love rugby.

“She’s great fun to be with. She looks fantastic, you’d never know she was 60.”

Read more: Carol Vorderman shares picture of herself aged 20 as part of social media craze

Labbett might have some competition on that front, though, with Vorderman proving very popular when she recently signed up for high-end dating app Raya.

She said: "A mate of mine said it would be a laugh. A lot of LA people made contact, men and women funnily enough, but it’s not my scene."

Watch: The Chase presenter Bradley Walsh reveals health scare