Match of the Day Hosts Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates Reportedly Dating
Viewers noted increasing closeness between the BBC presenters on Celebrity Gogglebox, which appears to have continued off-screen.
Match of the Day co-hosts Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates are reportedly in a relationship, with fans pointing to their appearances on Channel 4's Celebrity Gogglebox as evidence of their growing connection.
In episodes aired in June 2025, Chapman and Cates were observed sitting apart on the sofa, with Chapman folding his arms and Cates clasping her hands. By June and July of 2026, however, footage showed them seated closer and appearing more relaxed. In one clip posted on the Gogglebox Instagram account, Cates brushed crumbs off Chapman's shirt, to which he responded jokingly about her spitting crisps.
The news of the relationship between the 52-year-old Chapman and 51-year-old Cates emerged recently, more than a year after they began co-hosting Match of the Day alongside Gabby Logan.
Many football fans have reacted positively to the news. One X user, Joni Cluer, posted, "I hope this is true, always thought there was a connection between them." Another user, Peter Crowther, stated, "I predicted that after seeing them on Gogglebox! The chemistry was there. Good luck to them."
Chapman and Cates were also seen attending an event where they met the cast of The Traitors. A picture of them with series 4 winner Stephen Libby was posted by The Sports Agents, a podcast co-hosted by Chapman and Logan. Chapman recounted on the podcast a conversation with Stephen and Cates about whether one of Libby's jumpsuits would be suitable for him to wear during the FA Cup final, adding that he had acted as Cates’ personal assistant for the day, arranging photos with various cast members.
Chapman recently separated from estate agent Clere Collier, who alleged that he began the relationship with Cates while they were still together, an accusation Chapman denies.
Chapman and Cates are among the BBC's highest-paid employees, reportedly earning between £335,000-£340,000 and £215,000-£220,000 annually, respectively. Chapman was previously married to Sara for 19 years until her death in 2020 from cancer. They had three children and resided in Hale, Greater Manchester.
TalkSPORT Breakfast co-hosts Gabby Agbonlahor and Ally McCoist expressed their delight upon hearing the news. Agbonlahor called it "fantastic" and "great news for a Monday morning," while McCoist added, "We're all delighted and we're all thrilled. We wish them all the best. Two great people."