I was traumatised when The Beast dumped me after our anniversary & chose his wife, says Mark Labbett’s ex Hayley Palmer
From working on her dream body to embracing self-care – and always looking effortlessly put-together – Hayley Palmer has made it clear that when it comes to love, she’s all about looking ahead.
The TV presenter, who once dated The Chase star Mark Labbett, had her world turned upside down when he ended their relationship just one week after they marked their one-year anniversary with a casual Beefeater pub meal and a walk on the beach.
But after the “traumatic” breakup with the 6ft 7in quizmaster, who callously ended things during a brutal three-minute phone call, Hayley has firmly put the past behind her.
In an exclusive interview with Fabulous, Hayley, 42, says: “I’m focusing on my self-worth and working towards the body I’ve always wanted.
“It was a horrible breakup, and he was truly beastly. But now, I’m all about becoming the best version of myself.
“I’m at the gym every day, swimming, doing affirmations, getting my steps in, doing body pump, and lifting weights.”
Mark, who has been on The Chase for 15 years, first wooed Hayley with his Toby Carvery Gold Card.
But the pair split in May after Hayley claimed he ended their year-long romance because he didn’t want to divorce his ex, Katie.
In a recent interview with The Sun on Sunday, Mark, 59, who’s nicknamed The Beast on the ITV quiz show, broke his silence on the split, saying it was simply down to his age: “It’s me, I got old.”
This week, Mark was seen smiling as he posed with his hand on his ex-wife, whom he married in 2014 before separating in 2020.
“He wasn’t truthful, and I’ve moved on,” says Hayley, who currenlty reports on Strictly Come Dancing on BBC radio.
“The good part now is I can actually talk about it without bursting into tears.
“I thought he was a kind, gentle man, but I couldn’t believe how he hurt me.
“It was a week after we’d been on Loose Women together. I would never have gone on national television if I knew that was going to happen.
I really think I brought out the best in him because he’s not a natural extrovert, and I am
Hayley Palmer, 42
“I’m quite a strong person, but it completely crushed me. My world came crumbling down.
“The whole thing was traumatic, and it’s been a journey to heal from it.
“But now, I know who I am and I’ve learned that I’m not a bad person.”
Hayley, who now calls Chelsea, West London home, has no plans to reach out to Mark again after doing “a lot of inner work.”
“I know my self-worth, and I don’t think we’ll ever see each other again,” she says. “If I did see him, of course, I’d be polite, but I wish him well.
“I didn’t go to the National Television Awards this year, nor did he, because I couldn’t face him. You know why? Because I’ve built myself up now.
Dating has been fun and it’s definitely helped me get my confidence back
Hayley Palmer, 42
“I really think I brought out the best in him because he’s not a natural extrovert, and I am.
“Obviously, he has his qualities, too. He’s incredibly intelligent, and I learned a lot from him.”
After months of emotional turmoil and mental health struggles, Hayley has bounced back from heartbreak and even found a new romance.
“There’s someone making me happy,” she says. “I can say that much, but I’ll reveal more in time.
“It’s hard for me to say right now, and I’ve been linked to a few people.
“Dating has been fun and it’s definitely helped me get my confidence back.”
While Hayley keeps the details of her new romance under wraps, what’s most important to her now is that 2025 is looking bright.
“I’m trying not to be such a people pleaser,” she says. “If you don’t like it, then it’s not going to work out because I’m taking things at my pace. I’m not rushing into anything.
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.
“I’m doing what’s best for me, rather than what’s best for the other person.
“After everything I’ve been through, I’ve learned that I need to be selfish and focus on loving myself the most.
“I’ve learned so much from 2024, but I’m definitely ready for 2025.”
‘Saturday Night with Hayley Palmer‘ airs Saturdays 9pm Freeview Channelbox 271