Interview with 'The Beast'

We’re on the road for the next leg of our pub-quiz The Verdict, taking place today May 7^th in Birmingham, to find out how much our guests really know about Blighty. Meet our host ‘chaser’ Mark Labbett aka ‘The Beast’, who will be overseeing the proceedings.

How did you first become interested in quizzing? What is it about it that you enjoy?

Like many quizzers, I started by watching quiz shows on TV. I have always enjoyed the challenge of trying to recall or deduce answers. This stemmed into the obvious pub quizzes and eventually to the elite quiz circuit in the UK.

How do you train/practice?

Haha – That’s classified.  I have certain things which I read on a daily basis – but what I would say is, learn things that don’t change.  Chemical Elements, Kings and Queens, US Presidents. Neil Armstrong is always going to be the first man on the moon...

If you could compete against any famous person throughout history on The Chase who would it be?

Great Question – I’d say Winston Churchill, as we share a massive will to win.

If you hadn’t become a quizzer, academic and teacher what do you think you would be and why?

If the Chase hadn’t come along, then who knows? Being a TV quizzer is the job I was born to do.

What is your favourite thing about what you do?

There aren’t many people in the world who can say they make a really nice living from their hobby. I’m lucky that I can do something I love and get paid for it!!

How would you describe a normal working day for you?

Depending on when we’re filming - Get up, have breakfast, drive into work about noon and leave about four having broken my opponent’s dreams.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

EAT – You don’t get a physique like mine with half portions. I also spend a lot of time in the Gym.  I watch a lot of films and in somewhat of a busman’s holiday, do pub quizzes!

What is your proudest achievement?

Getting married to my lovely wife Katie topped anything I could achieve in the world of quiz.

The Verdict is our campaign to try to get Brits to fall back in love with the UK. What is your favourite place in Britain and why?

Devon. From Dartmoor through to Exeter and Plymouth it is a beautiful county and my ancestral homeland.

What would you say is Britain’s best hidden gem or most underrated place?

The Marches on the border of England and Wales. Spectacular countryside!