Mark Labett Kicked Off ‘The Chase’, Says ‘No Reason Was Offered’

It seems Mark Labett will not be returning for season 3 of “The Chase.”

For the past seasons, Mark has been a chaser with the three “Jeopardy!” Greatest of All Time Tournament contestants James Holzhauer, Brad Rutter, and tournament winner, Ken Jennings.

Ken has recently been serving as the host of “Jeopardy!” alongside “The Big Bang Theory” alum Mayim Bialik. Fans are crossing their fingers that Ken may be stepping up to host the decades-running game show full-time, as Ken will also not be returning to season 3 of “The Chase.”

Although Ken hasn’t been vocal about why he split from “The Chase,” Mark revealed that he was “gutted” to learn of his fate.

Mark joined season 2 of “The Chase” after being a stalwart on the U.K. version of the show. He was part of all four seasons of “The Chase USA” which ran on the Game Show Network for a time so plenty of fans were surprised to see that he would not be returning for season 3 of the ABC game show, “The Chase.”

Instead, the show – which will continue to be hosted by Sara Haines – is bringing on not one, not two, but three new “Jeopardy!” alums. The first is fan-favorite Buzzy Cohen, who hosted the 2021 Tournament of Champions and was a favorite to host it again. The second is Brandon Blackwell, a popular University College Champion. The third is Victoria Groce, who took down David Madden.

Mark responded to the news by providing a tweet on their official Twitter post concerning the season 3 casting news. The post read, “New season. New Chasers. Victoria Groce, Brandon Blackwell, and Buzzy Cohen join Brad Rutter and James Holzhauer on May 3 when #TheChase returns.”

Mark replied, “Gutted to not be invited back but really excited at the new lineup. Am expecting Brandon and Victoria to wow America.”

Fans, of course, had a lot of questions.

Many fans were disappointed to see that the 56-year-old trivia show master would be leaving “The Chase” after only one season.

“Was it because of contract reasons from The Chase Australia?” one person asked.

“No they just didn’t renew me,” Mark responded. “No reason was offered.”

“I am heartbroken that you won’t be back,” another commented. “I rewatch and rewatch the old episodes of The Chase with you and Brooke Burns. To me, that one is far superior. This is horrible news.”

“I agree! I love the older original version of the Chase with Mark Labett and Brooke Burns; I will not be watching this newest version,” another said. “And please make Ken Jennings the permanent Jeopardy host…or let Mark Labett have a try at it!”

“After years watching the UK version while on vacation, it was so good to see you on the Brooke version here and again now,” said another. “You’re a great quizzer and a dynamite personality. I hear the UK version of Mastermind (one of my favorites!) is looking for a host!!”

Many fans said that they won’t be watching the show without Mark on it.

“Hey @thechaseabc, the main reason I came back for S2 of your show was The Beast,” another said. “Guess I’ll just stick to watching the faster pace UK Chase, Beat the Chasers, and GSN repeats instead.”

“Mark ‘I’m Gutted’ as well!” another fan wrote. “As are the majority of Chase fans. To me you are, and always will be ‘The Chase’, and The Beast! To top that off, a well-respected Gentleman!”

This is awful!! @MarkLabbett return is the only reason I started watching and, though I miss the rapport with @BrookeBurns,” another wrote. “I will be deleting and not watching going forward. The other chasers have been less than entertaining and stunning. So sad!

“I’m so sad you not returning,” another added. “I’ve been watching old episodes on GSN that’s only you on it. Not sure I’ll continue to watch. I like James a lot too. That would probably be the reason I watch if I do. I want you back.”

Although it’s doubtful Mark will return to season 4, at least season 2 of “The Chase” is available for fans to stream on Hulu. Season 3 will return on May 3.