The Chase quizzer Mark Labbett has split from his stunning girlfriend after a year together.
Mark, 58, started dating 42-year-old Sky entertainment journalist Hayley Palmer in 2023, with her supporting him through his epic weight loss journey. But now Hayley has issued a heartbreaking update to her Instagram followers.
She said: “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 ended the message by writing: “Off I go to listen to Taylor Swift!” with a broken heart emoji.
READ MORE: 'I ditched my fiancé for sexy waiter – here's what I tell critics who say it won't last'
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star showbiz stories
Mark spoke out about their romance just months ago, explaining to The Sun that the pair celebrated their first anniversary by the beach. He said: “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.
![Mark Labbett](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article32876229.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_The-Chases-Mark-Labbett-told-well-done-as-he-looks-so-slim-after-weight-loss.jpg)
“As luck would have it, there’s a rather nice Beefeater near to where her parents live. They already know Hayley’s order — nachos and chips.” Hayley branded Mark “very handsome”, telling the publication: “His cheek bones are better than mine. He’s such a striking man, so tall. He should be the next James Bond.”
Just a week ago, Mark posed up a storm with Hayley on his Instagram grid on that very beach to celebrate one year together. He rocked an oversized grey hoodie over a blue t-shirt and slim-cut black jeans, while Hayley wowed in a loose sweater dress and white trainers, leaving her legs bare.
![The happy couple have been dating for one year](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article31838544.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_Dirty-Dancing-The-Classic-Story-on-Stage-press-night-Dominion-Theatre-London-UK-25-Jan-2023.jpg)
Mark wrote at the time: “One year anniversary. Same beach, same bench.” Hayley posted similar loved-up snaps to her own grid, which still haven’t been taken down.
They first met at the National Television Awards back in 2022. Mark explained: “Our then mutual agent said he got me a Toby Carvery gold card and she was like 'what?' You can take it along to Toby Carvery and take people with you and get some discount. For panto, I took the cast and crew out for a big Christmas party."
![The Chase](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article31838536.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_The-Chases-Mark-Labbett-confirms-exact-weight-after-majorly-slimming-down.jpg)
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Hayley said the 16-year age-gap between the pair “just works”, telling The Mirror she felt “safe” with Mark. She said: “He messaged me the next day, and we were having a little chat, and he was like, 'Maybe I’ll take you to that Toby Carvery'. I was just laughing about it, I thought we were just friends.
“That's when it clicked that there was more to it. We were walking along this beach, and I was like, 'he's a really nice guy, such a kind gentleman. I feel really safe with you'. It was a simple moment. Whatever this is, this is really nice. It's really special because we were friends first."