Mark Labbett, known as The Beast on ITV's The Chase, has defended a contestant's controversial choice that sparked viewer backlash. During a recent episode, Dawn opted for a lower offer of £-4,000, reducing the team's total prize fund to £16,000.
Viewers took to social media to express their displeasure, with one calling the move 'shameful' and another exclaiming, 'How could you take away from the pot?' However, Labbett supported Dawn's decision, telling her: 'It's the smart thing to do. I know there will be people not playing the game on social media saying that's terrible, but they're not there and you are.'
The episode featured a team of four—Stephen, Maurice, Maryanne, and Dawn—who each faced Labbett. Stephen, a senior technical advisor in the nuclear industry, impressed host Bradley Walsh and secured £6,000. Maurice matched that amount, while Maryanne added £8,000, bringing the total to £20,000 before Dawn's turn.
Despite the reduced pot, Dawn's conservative strategy paid off as she successfully returned to her teammates. The quartet then posted an impressive 22 points in the final chase, a lead that Labbett could not overcome. He praised the team, saying: 'I didn't lose that, you won it and you brought out the best of me. I loved that game.'
