The Chase star Mark Labbett and girlfriend Hayley announce shock split days after anniversary

The Chase star Mark Labbett and girlfriend Hayley Palmer have announced they've split up shortly after celebrating a one year anniversary.

Palmer announced the news on her Instagram stories on Saturday (25 May), writing: "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.

"Off I go to listen to Taylor Swift."

It had come just over a week after the couple had posted pictures of themselves enjoying a one year anniversary on a beach, with those images uploaded to the social media site on 16 May.

Labbett, best known as champion quizzer 'The Beast' on the ITV quiz show The Chase, had previously said he was a 'very lucky man' to be in a relationship with the 42-year-old.

Earlier this month the pair had celebrated a one year anniversary. (Instagram/@hayleypalmer_presenter)

The 58-year-old star had last year said he was 'very happy' with her.

"I mean, look at her," he'd said of his relationship.

"I keep finding myself going, ‘Hang on, we’re actually going out?’.

"I don’t want to make her blush, but 15 years ago I was a maths teacher, I was 29st.

"I’m a very, very lucky man. I’ve got the job I was born to do and, in Hayley, someone to share it all with."

Labbett had also credited Palmer as one of the reasons behind his weight loss, with the skilled quizzer losing 10 stone and saying that part of it was joining his girlfriend in the gym along with some other lifestyle changes.

Palmer had also said she'd not actually watched The Chase, explaining that she was 'never in' when it was actually on the telly, but she had seen Labbett on Beat the Chasers and been very impressed.

The Chase star confirmed that he'd split from his girlfriend. (Instagram/@markthebeastlabbett)

According to The Sun, The Chase star had 'a lovely time' with Palmer but the couple 'wanted different things' out of the relationship.

They quoted a 'source' who claimed: "She loves getting dressed up and going out to parties and showbiz events, whereas he prefers to stay at home.

"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."

Labbett had apparently initially wooed Palmer with his Toby Carvery gold card.