Mark Labbett is earning cash as a bingo caller after it was revealed ITV will not make any new episodes of The Chase for at least a year.
The Sun told last month how The Chase has been put on ice to free up host Bradley Walsh amid rumours he’s set to become one of the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing.
As a result chasers including Mark, 60, will lose out on their fees, with him reportedly pulling in £4,000 for each new episode he appears in.
Now it’s been revealed he’s hosting Beat The Beast nights at Buzz Bingo halls around the country – with tickets available for as little as £11.
The official website says: “Do you think you can Beat The Beast? Join us for a quiz hosted by the legendary Mark Labbett where the final three players will take on The Beast for a chance to win a cash prize. Not only will Mark be hosting the quiz, he’ll also be calling a page of bingo.”
Mark will be hosting events at locations including Weston Super Mare, Castleford, Leicester, Doncaster and Torquay.
We previously told how ITV bosses plan to screen repeats of The Chase, which has been going for 17 years.
A source said: “Everyone found out a few weeks ago and people on set were very miffed and upset as they’ll be out of pocket.
“It’s been quite a shock and very disappointing.
“Many crew members feel worried and scared for the future during an uncertain time in TV.
“It’s a deeply unsettling time financially for everyone involved in The Chase. Surely loyal viewers will notice too, if they’re being fed repeat episodes.
“It’s a shame as the show has survived for 17 years and remains one of the most popular quiz shows on telly. It’s won countless awards and is much loved.”
Usually around 120 episodes are made a year in three separate stints of around two months each.
The latest batch finished filming at Elstree Studios, Herts, in April.
But there are no plans to film any more in June or October and at least until next April, and ITV did not confirm when it might resume.
