The Chase's Mark "The Beast" Labbett has called it quits with girlfriend Hayley Palmer after a year-long romance.
The 58-year-old quiz master decided to end things just weeks after the couple marked their anniversary with a cosy Beefeater pub meal and a romantic beach stroll. Sharing further insight into their breakup, an insider now claims that the pair decided to end things as they were both on different paths.
The source told The Sun: "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.
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"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."
![The real reason why Mark "The Beast" Labbett split from girlfriend](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article30584404.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_Dirty-Dancing-The-Classic-Story-on-Stage-press-night-Dominion-Theatre-London-UK-25-Jan-2023.jpg)
In addition to this a representative for Mark confirmed: "I can confirm that Mark and Hayley have split. He won't be making any further comment at this time."
Hayley announced her split from Mark in an Instagram post over the weekend. Speaking to her followers, she said: "It is with regret I announce that myself and Mark have gone our separate ways.
![Mark andnHayley Palmer have gone their seperate ways](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article30532052.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_The-Chases-Mark-Labbett-And-Girlfriend-Hayley-Palmer-Arriving-At-Leeds-Dock.jpg)
"We had the best year together, and I truly wish him all the very best for the future." This was followed with a broken heart emoji. She then added: "Off I go to listen to Taylor Swift."
Just last week, the former lovebirds celebrated their first anniversary with a nostalgic trip back to the beach where their romance reportedly kicked off. Mark gushed on social media with a snap of the pair, captioning it: "One year anniversary. Same beach, same bench."
![The pair recently celebrated their one year anniversary](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article30189381.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_The-Chases-Mark-Labbett-dating-stunning-TV-presenter-Hayley-Palmer.jpg)
Hayley echoed the sentiment in her own post. The couple has been open about their love life, even discussing the age gap publicly.
On Good Morning Britain earlier this year, Hayley brushed off the difference, saying: "I feel like we're pretty much the same [...] We just get on really well." She admitted: "It kind of works [but] we're different."
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