Mark Labbett, 60, is perhaps the most notorious Chaser on the scene. He’s starred in the UK, American, and Australian versions of the popular game show, which is fronted by Bradley Walsh here in Britain. He’s the mastermind that players always fear competing against, as his ruthless insults and high intelligence make winning the prize money an extremely difficult challenge.

Mark, who is still very much part of the UK version of the programme, which airs on ITV, opened up exclusively to Express.co.uk at this month’s National Television Awards, where he addressed his future on the show. When asked if he has any plans to step down from being The Beast, he explained: “You never know.” Elaborating on his cryptic comment, he continued: “I take great pride in being, as I modestly put it, the best Chaser in the world…

“I love my job – but at the same time – it’s a part-time gig. I won’t deny it if I’m lucky enough to get a good offer somewhere else for a full-time gig. But until that time, I’ll keep working.”

With the Beast in search of a full-time position, how much longer will he be part of the well-loved Chase franchise?

Mark added: “I love doing The Chase in Australia and America – and who knows – maybe New Zealand, maybe. They keep sending me, as I’m good at my job.”

Mark, who hails from Devon, has been a Chase since 2009, when he appeared in ITV’s first-ever season of the show. The other original Chaser who is still part of the programme is Shaun ‘The Dark Destroyer’ Wallace.

While The Beast, who coined the name due to his stature and nature, is well-versed in various topics, his weaknesses are soap operas and horse racing.

The Chase Celebrity Special airs tonight (Saturday, September 20) at 5pm and The Chase airs on weekdays at 5pm on ITV.