Chaser Mark Labbett explained death fear as he opens up on health issue
The Chase's Mark Labbett has opened up about his fear of missing out on his young son's life due to his type 2 diabetes.
The 59-year-old, best known as 'The Beast' to ITV viewers, has shed loads of weight since kickstarting his health journey after his diagnosis in 2017.
He made a host of lifestyle changes and his transformation has been incredible - so much so, that he really ought to change his quizzing nickname to something a bit daintier.
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However, as he is set to turn 60 this year, Labbett is well aware that no one can outrun aging or the impact of health ailments.
Although he might appear to have all the answers when we watch him annihilate The Chase contestants on screen, even he's unsure on how to slow down the hands of time.
Speaking to OK!, the father-of-one revealed that he is conscious that a few of his attributes knock a 'few years off his lifespan'.
"One of the drawbacks of being as tall as I am is that it takes a few years off your lifespan," he said. "And being as heavy as I was takes a few years off, too.
"But my father's side lived long lives. I rarely drink, I’ve never smoked, never done drugs, there’s no gambling, and God knows, there are no loose women in my life!"
Labbett, who split from girlfriend Hayley Palmer in May last year, explained that his downfall is 'sugar' - but after practicing some restraint, he now reckons that he weighs 'about 18 stone'.
And that is some serious progress, considering the fact he was about 29 stone at his heaviest.
Discussing what he thinks when he sees himself on old episodes of The Chase, Labbett said: "Sometimes I look and go, 'Blimey, is that me?'
"But the one thing about being a very big person, and especially a very big man with a big frame, is you can carry a lot of weight without really noticing it.
"The trouble is, I had a tonne of visceral fat, which isn’t good for you at all, and that’s why I was so heavy but relatively slim for my height and build.
"Normally, if you see a 30st man they’re quite obviously 30st, but I was carrying it internally."
Labbett began wearing a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring Patch last year to help him keep on top of his diabetes, which he says has also helped him on his health journey.
"I’d lost a bit of weight before [he started using the monitor], but last winter I had my first real attack of arthritis and it was a shock to the system because up to that point, you think you’re immortal," he said.
"Then suddenly, when you struggle to walk up stairs, you realise you’re not. I’d been gradually letting my glucose levels slide and enjoyed too many cheats, so when I put the monitor on I was shocked by my glucose levels.
"It’s been a real eye-opener. It’s made me realise I’ve got to be far more disciplined with carbs and sugars."
He's got the perfect motivation for sticking to his health journey, too - sticking around as long as possible for his seven-year-old son, Lawrence.
Labbett, who shares the young lad with ex-wife Kate, explained that seeing his only child graduate is one of his dreams.
"One of my life goals, because I was a more mature father when Lawrence appeared, is to see him graduate," he said. "He’ll be 21 when I’m 71, 72, and that’s my mission.
"I’m just happy he’s a well-adjusted young man. He’s inherited my maths ability, which I’m not upset about either. He’s healthy, smart and tall - what more could you want?
"I’m really content with where I am. I’m loving being a dad – it’s nice to be able to provide for him."
Although Labbett touts himself as 'The Beast' in the quizzing world, it seems that he's actually more of a gentle giant.
Olivia Burke