Mark Labbett and Hayley Palmer in happier times (Picture: Instagram @hayleypalmer_presenter)
The Chase star Mark Labbett appears to have made a subtle dig at his ex-girlfriend, Hayley Palmer, just weeks after their shock split.
Labbett, 58, also known as ‘The Beast’ on the hit quiz show, has shared a photo to his X account of himself eating at the same restaurant and what seems to be the same table he and Palmer, 42, once frequented.
Indulging in a bowl of soup and bread at the Seasons in Rotherham, the star was all smiles as he declared his summer would be full of ‘protein and pain’, just weeks after his split from the Sky Entertainment presenter was announced.
‘My summer of protein and pain. Gym [tick] Nutrition [tick],’ he said. ‘Feels good to be The Beast.’
The Chase star and Palmer had been dating for one year before calling it quits and often shared photos enjoying a meal at the restaurant.
Palmer announced their breakup in May with a post on her Instagram stories. She told her 38,200 followers: ‘It is with regret I announce that myself and Mark have gone our separate ways.
‘We had the best year together and I truly wish him all the best for the future,’ she added. ’Off I go to listen to Taylor Swift.’
The news came as a shock, as the pair had shown no signs of parting ways. Labbett even said in an interview shortly before the announcement that they were planning to spend their one-year anniversary at the beach where they first made their relationship official.
He told The Sun: ‘We found a bench in a peaceful spot by the beach and spent hours talking and getting to know each other, so we’ve decided to go back to celebrate our anniversary.’
The former couple were first linked in October 2022 (Picture: Instagram @hayleypalmer_presenter)
The former couple’s split was reportedly due to the 16 year age gap (Picture: Instagram @hayleypalmer_presenter)
While the former couple initially appeared to have split amicably, they have since unfollowed each other on Instagram. However, they both still have photos of them in happier times on their grid.
It comes after a source spoke to OK!, claiming the former couple called it quits because of their 16-year age gap.
‘Mark had a lovely time with Hayley and has a lot of respect for her but they wanted different things. She loves getting dressed up and going out to parties and showbiz events, whereas he prefers to stay at home,’ the source said.
‘Mark felt there was too much of an age gap between them for long-term success. They are still friendly. Away from his job on telly and filming, Mark enjoys a quiet life and spending time with his son. He is still hopeful he can meet someone to settle down with one day.’
Mark won’t let a break up stop him from going to his favourite restaurant (Picture: Instagram @hayleypalmer_presenter)
Mark is a beloved chaser on the hit ITV show (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
The couple first met at the National Television Awards in the UK in October 2022 and began dating in May last year. However, it wasn’t reported until June when Palmer joined Labbett in Los Angeles, where he was filming an American version of The Chase in addition to Master Minds.
The former couple were mostly long-distance throughout their relationship, as Labbett lived in Rotherham and Palmer in Chelsea.
The TV star was previously married to Katie Labbett.
The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV.
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