The Chase Australia star Mark Labbett’s ex-girlfriend Hayley Palmer has slammed the TV personality, claiming he acted in a “beastly” way when he broke up with her in a three-minute-long phone call last month.
Labbett, known as The Beast on the hit Seven Network game show, celebrated his one-year anniversary with his Sky entertainment reporter girlfriend on May 16, just a few weeks before the shock split was announced later that month.
“It is with regret I announce that myself and Mark have gone our separate ways,” Palmer posted on an Instagram story.
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“We had the best year together, and I truly wish him all the best for the future.”
Labbett, 58, and Palmer, 42, met at the UK National Television Awards in 2022, and later became a couple.
However, in an interview with The Sun at the weekend, Palmer took aim at Labbett and his alleged handling of the break-up, saying she had been “blindsided” and that he had lived up to his name as The Beast.
“It has come as a complete shock. I thought we were really happy,” she said.
“I’m heartbroken and blindsided. His behaviour has been beastly.”
The pair had celebrated their one-year anniversary by posting on Instagram loved up pictures of each other at the beach at which they shared their first date.
Only days earlier, they had also appeared on the UK TV show Loose Women, speaking about their relationship and their future together.
Palmer told The Sun she received a call from Labbett on May 24, saying he no longer wished to divorce from his ex Katie Labbett, with whom he had split the previous year.
Labbett and his estranged wife have a seven-year-old son together.
The Sun reported a source close to the couple said the age gap had been an issue for Labbett.
“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.
“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.”
Palmer told The Sun Labbett had discussed moving in together just before the break-up, and that she had discussed the possibility of meeting his son — a meeting Labbett’s ex-wife had reportedly not allowed previously.
“The fact that he didn’t have the respect for me, and for him to do it over the phone, it was a really low move,” Palmer said.
Watch The Chase Australia on Seven, weeknights from 5pm or on 7plus.