THE Chase star Mark Labbett’s ex-girlfriend Hayley Palmer has broken her silence on his Celebs Go Dating stint.
Quiz titan Mark, 59, is looking for love on popular E4 show Celebs Go Dating.
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Unlike his co-stars, Mark joins later in the series – and was absent from the first episode.
He previously dated presenter Hayley Palmer from 2023 until splitting in 2024.
Speaking to the Daily Mail , the 44-year-old gave her verdict on her Mark’s search for new love.
Although wishing her ex well, Hayley said she did not intend on watching him in the E4 show.
Read more on Mark Labbett
She added: “A year later, I’ve been able to turn past trauma into something positive.
“I feel like I’ve done a lot of glowing up. I am in a really strong, happy place. Feeling very grounded.”
Mark and Hayley confirmed their split in May 2024, just days after their one-year anniversary.
Taking to Instagram at the time, Hayley wrote in her Story: “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.”
The Sun later told how Mark took a swipe at his ex, saying he would only consider divorcing estranged wife Katie if he met someone serious.
Mark married Katie – who is also his second cousin – in 2014 and they separated in 2020.
The former couple also welcomed a son during their marriage.
He said: “It will happen if either Katie or I get with someone serious — then it might obviously be a different matter.”
Mark spoke out after Hayley told The Sun a month earlier that his break-up with her a week after their one-year anniversary left her “completely crushed”.
She said at the time: “The whole thing was traumatic, and it’s been a journey to heal from it. He was truly beastly.”
But Mark feels relieved, explaining: “I’m just quite content being on my own.
“Facts are easy. Numbers are easy. People are complicated.
“I could sum me up as the kind of guy who could tell you the capital of Estonia is Tallinn but would have no idea why that pretty girl is giving me a funny half-smile.
“That’s why I never played poker seriously, because I realised I can’t read people.”
Mark Labbett and Hayley Palmer relationship timeline
May 16, 2023 – The pair went on their first date to a Toby Carvery in Southsea, Portsmouth.
December 24, 2023 – The couple decided to record a podcast together after being in a relationship for several months. They planned to cover everything from Mark wooing Hayley with his Toby Carvery card to dating in the public eye, shopping trips, their big rule of not sharing chips and hilarious inside jokes.
May 25, 2024 – Mark broke up with Hayley over the phone, saying he wasn’t ready to finalise his divorce with his ex wife Katie.
Meanwhile, Hayley later fired back at these comments.
Taking to Instagram, she told fans: “I think it’s a shame that someone could say something so heartless over a relationship that lasted over a year.
“I have moved on and working to be the best version of myself.
“I think what is actually serious is Mental Health and we should all be working together towards a caring Christmas. X.”
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