After her difficult breakup with Mark Labbett from The Chase, Hayley Palmer is ready to move forward. She had previously hinted at being in a new relationship but wasn’t prepared to disclose the identity of her partner. Recent reports suggest that her new love interest is Ben Jardine from Married at First Sight.
A source shared with The Sun that “Hayley has been gradually regaining her confidence since parting ways with Mark, and Ben has been incredibly supportive. They’ve known each other for some time, but things began to progress after he attended her birthday party in July, and their connection has deepened since then.”
The insider added, “They’ve even secured a presenting opportunity together at The Boat Show comedy club, allowing them to truly enjoy each other’s company. Right now, they’re just having fun and seeing where it leads, but there’s definitely chemistry between them.”
A representative for Hayley confirmed to OK! that she and Ben are “growing closer,” noting, “Ben’s lively and charismatic approach to life, along with Hayley’s wonderful energy and talents, make them a great match. We’ll have to keep an eye on this situation! Both deserve to find happiness.”
In 2017, Ben gained fame through Married at First Sight when he married Stephanie Saint Remy. They were the only couple to last beyond the show, but they separated soon after filming concluded. Ben later welcomed a son with yoga instructor Silvia Sanchis.
Earlier this year, Hayley sadly announced her breakup with Mark after dating for 18 months. They first crossed paths at the NTA awards in February 2023, where Mark impressed Hayley by showcasing his Toby Carvery Gold Card.
In a previous interview with OK!, Hayley praised her relationship with the quiz master, saying, “He’s incredibly honest about everything, and I must say, he gives the best cuddles. He’s very down to earth, incredibly kind, thoughtful, and supportive of my career—like a big teddy bear.”
However, just over a year into their relationship, Hayley informed her followers about their split, stating, “It is with regret that I announce that Mark and I have gone our separate ways. We shared a wonderful year together, and I genuinely wish him all the best for the future.” She concluded her message with, “Off I go to listen to Taylor Swift,” followed by a broken heart emoji.