Chris Sutton Jokes About Match of the Day Co-Hosts Amid Dating Rumors

BBC pundit Chris Sutton made a playful jab about his colleagues Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates on live radio, amidst reports that the "Match of the Day" co-hosts are dating. Sutton, a regular guest on BBC Radio 5Live's "Monday Night Club," questioned the absence of host Chapman from the show on Monday evening.

Chapman and Cates, both 51 and 52 respectively, have been part of the "Match of the Day" three-person presenter panel alongside Gabby Logan since the start of last season, following Gary Lineker's departure. Reports emerged on Sunday suggesting the BBC stars have begun dating.

During the "Monday Night Club," stand-in presenter Alistair Bruce-Ball introduced Sutton, who remarked on Chapman's absence. "I just wondered where our leader is this evening, where's Mark?" Sutton asked. Upon learning Chapman was not present, Sutton then inquired about Cates: "So then normally second in charge is Kelly Cates... where's Kelly Cates this evening?"

Bruce-Ball responded, "I don't know Chris, otherwise engaged I think." Cates was reportedly attending the Legends of Football awards, which honored Thierry Henry and Karen Carney.

Chapman previously split with estate agent Clere Collier earlier this year. Collier had accused Chapman of starting a relationship with Cates while they were still together, an allegation Chapman denies. Chapman and Cates became the main co-presenters for "Match of the Day" after Gary Lineker's exit. While their on-air duties do not overlap, the pair did appear together on "Celebrity Gogglebox" in July.

Chapman, a BBC broadcaster, was married to his wife Sara for 19 years until her death from cancer in 2020. They had three children together. He reportedly began dating Collier in 2024. Cates, daughter of football icon Sir Kenny Dalglish, was married to TV producer Tom Cates from 2007 until their divorce in 2021. They also have two children.