BBC Match of the Day hosts Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman are reportedly in a relationship, with their romance said to have blossomed from a friendship earlier this year. The couple, aged 51 and 53 respectively, have been described as growing increasingly close after working together on the long-running football programme.
The pair, who joined the BBC show in 2025 alongside Gabby Logan, were also seen looking “cosy” on Mark Chapman’s sofa last year while recording Celebrity Gogglebox in June, according to Heatworld. The news follows Chapman’s recent split from his partner, Clere Collier, and Kelly Cates’s previous comments about dating.
Developing Romance and Public Appearances
While reports suggest the relationship began earlier this year, Chapman and Cates recently went public at a party in London, having initially kept their romance private, The Mirror reported. Friends of the presenters have reportedly welcomed the news, with many expressing surprise that they hadn’t got together sooner.
Despite the growing public knowledge, BBC pundit Chris Sutton playfully hinted at their relationship on Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, questioning the simultaneous absence of both Chapman and Cates. However, co-host Alistair Bruce-Ball clarified that Cates was “otherwise engaged,” presenting the Legends of Football Awards.
Previous Relationships and Reactions
The reported romance comes after significant personal changes for both presenters. Mark Chapman ended a three-year relationship with Dubai-based estate agent Clere Collier in April, a split that reportedly came as a shock to those around them. Clere, 43, was said to be planning a move back to the UK and had been spotted house-hunting with Chapman. According to Heatworld, Collier reportedly confronted Chapman after growing suspicious of his closeness to Cates. Chapman then admitted to his relationship with Cates, but maintained that he had been faithful to Collier throughout their romance, with a source quoted as saying, “Mark admitted the relationship, but insisted there was no overlap between the two women and that he hadn’t cheated on her.” The Mirror also reported that Chapman’s ex was left “furious” and “heartbroken” by the quick progression of his new relationship.
Chapman also endured the devastating loss of his wife, Sara, in 2020, following a battle with cancer. They were married for 19 years and had three children.
Kelly Cates, daughter of footballing legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, has been single since her 2021 divorce from TV producer husband Tom Cates after 14 years of marriage. They share two children.
Kelly Cates’s Stance on Dating
Prior to her relationship with Chapman, Kelly Cates had spoken openly about her struggles with the idea of dating after her divorce. On Gabby Logan’s podcast, The Mid Point, Cates stated, “I don’t have a picture in my head of why a middle-aged, slightly overweight mother of two could possibly be attractive.” She also expressed reservations about dating taking up her time, saying, “The thought of going on a date, spending an evening with someone and at the end of it thinking, ‘Well, I don’t really like you.’ I would be so resentful of them taking up my time.” However, her new relationship with long-time friend Mark Chapman appears to have changed her perspective on pursuing a long-term partnership.
