Match of the Day Hosts Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates Confirm Relationship Amidst Public Interest

BBC presenters Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates are now in a confirmed relationship, a development that has garnered attention from fans and media outlets alike. Their bond has become more apparent through their recent appearances on Channel 4's Celebrity Gogglebox, with subtle shifts in their interactions observed over time. In June 2025 episodes, the pair were seen sitting apart, but by June and July of 2026, footage indicated they were positioned closer and appeared more relaxed. One preview clip from Gogglebox showed Cates brushing crumbs off Chapman's shirt, to which he responded flirtatiously.

Chapman, 52, and Cates, 51, began co-hosting Match of the Day together alongside Gabby Logan. News of their relationship emerged recently, over a year after they started their joint hosting duties. The development has been met with positive reactions from some football fans, with social media users noting a perceived chemistry between the pair.

Chapman's ex-girlfriend, Clere Collier, has accused him of beginning his relationship with Cates while they were still together, though Chapman denies this. The couple reportedly split in April 2026, prior to the filming of the 2026 Celebrity Gogglebox episodes.

Chapman and Cates are among the BBC's highest-paid employees, with reported annual salaries of £335,000-£340,000 and £215,000-£220,000 respectively. Chapman was previously married to his wife Sara for 19 years until her death from cancer in 2020, with whom he had three children.

Colleagues have also expressed well wishes for the couple. Gabby Agbonlahor, co-host of talkSPORT Breakfast, described the news as 'fantastic' and 'great news for a Monday morning.' His co-host Ally McCoist added that they were 'all delighted' and wished them 'all the best.'

Cates had previously spoken about the challenges of dating and her own insecurities in a March 2021 interview on Gabby Logan's The Mid Point podcast. She expressed uncertainty about her attractiveness as a middle-aged mother of two and her reservations about dating, particularly the potential for wasted time on incompatible partners.

The news of their relationship comes as BBC Sport faces internal restructuring and potential staff redundancies, which has led to significant dissatisfaction among employees.