The Chase's Mark Labbett and TV presenter Hayley Palmer have cosy reunion two years after split
The Chase star Mark Labbett and TV presenter Hayley Palmer cuddled up for a picture at Nando's on Monday night (24.08.26), 27 months after he dumped her in a "three-minute" phone call days following their first dating anniversary in May 2024.
Exes Mark Labbett and Hayley Palmer have had a cosy reunion - two years after their split.
The Chase quizzer and the TV presenter were all smiles as they cuddled up for a picture at Nando's on Monday night (24.08.26), 27 months after Mark dumped Hayley in a "three-minute" phone call days after their first dating anniversary in May 2024, which left her "completely crushed".
Taking to his Instagram Stories, 61-year-old Mark - known as "The Beast" - shared a sweet shot of him and Hayley resting their heads together, with the caption: "Monday Night Is Nando's Night :) (sic)," which she later reshared on her Stories.
Mark and Hayley got together in May 2023 after he and ex-wife Katie Labbett's attempts at an open marriage failed, but their relationship ended a year later.
Hayley claimed at the time that Mark dumped her because he "didn't want to divorce his ex-wife", while Mark later told The Sun newspaper that their separation was because he had "got old".
The break-up left her struggling, and last August, Hayley exclusively told BANG Showbiz that she hit "rock bottom" and sought counselling before turning the "pain" into "power" through affirmations and EFT tapping, which reduces stress and emotional distress by tapping on meridian points on the face and body.
She added the experience helped her bounce back stronger and feel like a "new person", while also inspiring her e-book Ten Minute Morning Magic Mindset.
Hayley said: "The break-up was trickier than I thought.
"You know me, I’m upbeat continuously, because that’s just my nature.
"But I think thanks to the job I do on TV, the social media, the occasional red carpet event, there were a few more eyes on how I was coping than normal.
"So I’ve just doubled down and used that experience to sew on an extra sequin and push myself harder, emotionally and in work."
She added: "It was a time that I now reflect back on, and I realised that it was pain, and with the book, I've turned that pain into power."
Asked if the trauma from their separation took over her brain, Hayley admitted: "Yeah, it did.
"But now I'm in a good place in my mind, I feel good in myself."
By November 2025, however, Hayley insisted that she and Mark had put their split behind them and were now good pals.
She exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "Things are in the past now, we’re good mates, and we're just happy to do it. And like I say, that's all pushed to one side, and it's a year-and-a-half ago, and we've always got on well.
"We’re friends, we’re both doing our jobs, and we both want to make it a huge success, which I absolutely know it will be."
At the time, Hayley was preparing to interview Mark for a special An Audience With... show at London's Hippodrome Theatre on January 26, but the event was later cancelled after he pulled out due to "unforeseen circumstances".
She had also said they had no plans to dwell on their romance during the show.
Asked if they would discuss their relationship, Hayley said: "Like I say, we just want to move on from that. I’m sure people want to come along because they’re quite fascinated that an ex is interviewing an ex.
"But, ultimately, we’re friends, and Mark is absolutely brilliant at what he does. He is a genius, and I salute him for that - I’m in awe of what he does, I think he is phenomenal, and I want to put him in the best light possible."
