The Chase’s Mark Labbett battled to save marriage after forgiving wife’s affair

The Chase’s Mark Labbett has confirmed his open marriage to wife Katie is over for good.

The sad news comes after a rocky few years for the couple – that saw the big-hearted quiz star even forgive an affair.

While he is known as ‘The Beast’ to fans of the ITV quiz show, in real life Mark, 55, showed his soft side as he fought to save his marriage.

Last year, it was revealed that his wife Katie, 28, had been involved with a younger man for a year.

It was reported at the time that Katie had been abroad with Scott Bate, 30, who wooed her with day trips and a Valentine’s Day treat – all while she was married to Mark.

After the scandal was made public, Mark stayed at his £600,000 home in Hereford with his wife and their young son.

‘Crisis talks’ ensued and Mark ultimately decided their six year marriage was worth saving.

A spokesperson confirmed his decision at the time: “Mark and Katie are not splitting up. Everything is fine between them and they have been at home together this week.”

Mark later described the period as a ‘rough patch’ but added hopefully that he and Katie were ‘working their way through it.’

Appearing on Loose Women last September, he said: “Like a lot of relationships, you go through a rough patch. We’re working our way through it.”

When Denise Welch asked if he was sticking by Katie, Mark proudly flashed his wedding ring but declined to say anymore, saying it was a ‘private issue.’

His wife Katie, who is his second cousin, shared her side of the story in an interview with the Sun on Sunday.

She told reporters: “I met Scott by accident, on a night out, and we just clicked.

“It wasn’t intentional, it just happened. But Mark always knew — straight from the off I was honest.

“We remain good friends and he is happy for me that I’ve met Scott — and I’d be fine if he met someone else.

“So I just want to set the record straight now as I’m sick of all the speculation. I want us all to be able to get on with our lives.”

Katie continued to date engineer Scott over the last year after their union was made public.

However despite all parties appearing to be accepting of the arrangement, Mark confirmed this weekend that he has split from Katie so that she can date her lover.

Mark told The Sun: “There was never any deceit on Katie’s part but it’s got to the point now where I realise it is better for us to go our separate ways and remain friendly.”

Katie added: “I just want everyone to know what’s what and that we are all happy.”