The Chase star Mark Labbett has sparked feud rumours with his fellow ITV brainboxes after making a series of cryptic comments about the line-up of the show.
The professional quizzer, known as The Beast, has hit screens over the past week alongside his brainy counterparts on Beat The Chasers.
But the 56-year-old took to Twitter to comment on his absence from three of the shows, prompting responses from fellow Chasers Anne Hegerty and Paul Sinha.
Sharing his upset at being overlooked in favour of his colleagues, Mark wrote: “Sat out three straight games in last position on Beat The Chasers, 215-1 odds of that happening.”
Commenting ahead of Friday’s instalment, he added: “Looks like I am on the subs bench tonight,” alongside an unhappy face.
Mark’s followers expressed concern at his apparently troubled attitude, with one writing: “You sound upset Beast?”
Mark then cryptically quipped: “Wear a dress, get more shows.”
Fellow Chaser Paul, 51, and known as The Sinnerman, then responded asking: “Out of interest, how many games did each Chaser play through the series? I presume there are stats.”
Before Anne, 63, jumped in and said: “Just WhatsApped you.”
When a concerned fan asked what was going on, Anne added: “I sent him a message on our WhatsApp group as I wasn't sure if it was classified information? We're not supposed to chat about backstage stuff publicly.”
Mark took the time to answer his fans’ questions in the wake of his comments, with one asking: “Is the selection random for each round?”
Mark replied: “No predetermined before filming, I have seen the spreadsheets.”
Another suggested that his absence from the three shows could be “producers wanting a few winners tonight Mark,” alongside a winky face.
Mark replied: “I think you are right, offers are very generous as well.”
Award-winning show The Chase is recognised as one of ITV's most successful series - and all six Chasers, including Mark, have become household names across the country for displaying their quizzing expertise.
Viewers are familiar with Bradley Walsh's elite hosting alongside the Chasers' expert knowledge to create gripping-edge episodes for the nation's enjoyment, helping rake in millions of views throughout the years.
Mark recently told the Mirror how he banked £1million in a single month last year, while working on the show’s American version.
He said: “It’s more than I earned in the first 49 years of my life.”
He is paid large sums for appearances and said: “I’ve done a lot of gigs up and down the country, things like bingo hall and pub quizzes and it’s great fun but I can safely say on any given gig I get my arse felt about four times, it’s at every gig and that’s not just women.”
