Mark Labbett, aka 'The Beast' on 'The Chase'

"The Chase's" Mark Labbett has picked up the nickname "The Beast" for two reasons. First, he's a beast at quizzers with a keen mind and quick wit. Second, well, he's a large fellow. He's an important part of "The Chase," which has been on the air in North America since August 2013. 

Who Is Mark Labbett?

Mark Labbett was born in Tiverton, U.K., on Aug. 15, 1965. He's an accomplished academic, having earned the following:

• A master's degree in mathematics from Oxford University
• A PGCE in Secondary Education from Exeter University
• A CPE and LPC (law) from the University of Glamorgan

When he's not winning money or chasing people on quiz shows, Labbett works as a secondary school teacher. He's also quite active hosting charity quiz nights to benefit cancer research. He lives in Rotherham, Yorkshire. Labbett is a big fan of professional wrestling.

Appearances as a Contestant

With all of his studies, it's no real surprise to learn that Labbett enjoys trivia. After hitting the quiz bowl circuit and enjoying success, he turned his attention to game shows. His appearances as a contestant include:

• "Mastermind," where he competed twice and chose The Olympics and "The Simpsons" as his subjects
• "BrainTeaser"
• "Sudo-Q"
• "Millionaire Live"
• "Only Connect"
• "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"
• "University Challenge"
• "Brain of Britain"
• "The National Lottery People's Quiz"
• "Grand Slam"

This reveals two things: One, that Labbett is smart and good at trivia. The other is that that the U.S. needs more good quiz shows on this side of the pond.

'The Chase'

In 2009 Labbett joined the U.K. game show "The Chase," in which he was dubbed "The Beast." He plays with three other chasers, Paul Sinha, Shaun Wallace and Anne Hegerty. When GSN announced in 2013 that they were going to be adapting the game for a North American audience, it was Mark Labbett who was chosen to become the one and only chaser for the show.

Labbett was featured prominently in promos for GSN's version of "The Chase," posing alongside host Brooke Burns for publicity photos. His imposing size and obvious intelligence make him the perfect foil for the contestants on the show.

Quotes From 'The Beast'

"Being a mathematician is the worst degree specialism for a quiz specialist or trivia player because your specialist knowledge doesn’t tend to equate with general knowledge. But I have a real passion for history, so I’m very strong on that." — From a set visit interview with Hollywood Junket

"I would love to see Magnus on 'The Chase; I saw him on an episode of 'Are You Smarter Than a 10-Year-Old?' and to use the phrase, the boy's got skills. He's clearly got a brain on him and he thinks quite clearly,; he would be the equivalent of an enhancement talent on the quiz circuit; he's got that basic intelligence and knowledge plus he didn't buckle under pressure, I think he would be a pretty good contestant." — On which pro wrestler he'd like to see on "The Chase," from The Layfield Report.

Find Labbett Online

If you're a Labbett fan you can keep up with what he's doing at several places online (not to mention by watching "The Chase"). He's active on Twitter @MarkLabbett, and there's a Facebook group devoted to him called the Mark Labbett 'The Beast' Appreciation Society. He's also got his own website at MarkLabbett.co.uk.