The Chase’s Mark Labbett has revealed the heartbreaking reason he split from ex girlfriend Hayley Palmer.

Mark, 59, and Hayley announced their split in May, just days after their one year anniversary. 

While presenter Hayley claims he dumped her because he ‘didn’t want to divorce his ex-wife’, Mark admitted it was because he ‘got old’.

Speaking to The Sun, Mark said: ‘She’s [Hayley’s] a lovely lady and I was very lucky to date her for a year, and as I said…it’s me, I got old.’

After Hayley said she couldn’t bear to think about Mark with another woman, the mastermind insisted that he isn’t actively dating.

He added: ‘There’s been no one since Hayley, I’m not saying there won’t be another one. But I’m certainly not looking.

The Chase’s Mark Labbett, 59, has revealed the heartbreaking reason he split from ex girlfriend Hayley Palmer

Mark and Hayley announced their split in May, just days after their one year anniversary

‘I joke I am a shed man – a guy of a certain age that’s quite content being in or out of a relationship – but loves to be spending time on their own.’

Last week, Hayley confessed thinking about Mark with anyone else ‘brings it all back’ as she spoke candidly six months after the pair’s break up.

Hayley admitted she was forced to turn the TV channel over after seeing him on Loose Women as she admitted she found it ‘triggering’. 

Speaking to MailOnline, Hayley confessed: ‘It was really upsetting seeing him pop up on my screen, and I had to turn over. I didn’t expect it to feel like that. 

‘As the last time he was on there, I was sat beside him and we were speaking about celebrating our one year anniversary and then exactly one week later my world came crashing down.’

She added: ‘To be honest thinking about him with anyone just brings it all back.’ 

Hayley explained she was taken aback by her feeling as she continued: ‘It was triggering. I didn’t think it would be as I have worked really hard on my mindset and have been in a good place.’ 

Hayley previously claimed Mark ‘lives up to his nickname’ after ‘blindsiding’ her by brutally breaking-up with her over the phone.

While presenter Hayley claims he dumped her because he ‘didn’t want to divorce his ex-wife’, Mark admitted it was because he ‘got old’

After Hayley said she couldn’t bear to think about Mark with another woman , the mastermind insisted that he isn’t actively dating 

Last week, Hayley confessed thinking about Mark with anyone else ‘brings it all back’ as she spoke candidly six months after the pair’s break up 

Read MoreEXCLUSIVE Hayley Palmer clarifies relationship status with millionaire TV star following night out

She also revealed Mark ended their year-long romance because he did not want to divorce his ex wife Katie.

Speaking to The Sun, Hayley explained: ‘He has really lived up to his name. The Beast has been a beast.

‘It has come as a complete shock. I thought we were really happy. I’m heartbroken and blindsided. His behaviour has been beastly.’

Hayley added she was disappointed that Mark didn’t discuss their relationship issues face-to-face and then blocked him so he can no longer contact her.

After marking their one-year anniversary on social media in May – Mark later claimed there was too much of an age gap between them. 

Confirming the news of their break-up on Instagram, Hayley wrote: ‘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.’

A 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.

 Mark split from his wife Katie in 2020 following seven years of marriage (pictured in 2018)

In October, Mark hinted he had moved on with a Sєxy brunette just weeks after Hayley revealed she’s dating again

‘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 pair had been dating since early 2023, with Mark previously admitting he was a ‘very very lucky man’ to be with her.

Sources claimed the star wooed the TV presenter on a string of dates after being ‘friends for some time’, following his split from his wife Katie in 2020 after six years of marriage.

At the time, he listed lockdown, his mental health and their age differences as factors contributing to the break-up.

Mark mentioned his wife during the Loose Women episode as he discussed his weight loss journey.

Citing the factors that helped him, Mark said: ‘It’s a little bit of everything, walking the dog helped. When the pandemic was there my wife was working in the hospital as a nurse, I was looking after my three year old son all day, it nearly killed me. I never got around to having evening meals.’

In October, Mark hinted he had moved on with Lianne Wellings  just weeks after Hayley revealed she’s dating again.