Match of the Day hosts Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates are reportedly dating, according to multiple outlets, after Chapman ended his three-year relationship with Clere Collier in April.
Match of the Day co-hosts Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates are reportedly in a romantic relationship, according to multiple outlets, following Chapman’s split from Dubai-based estate agent Clere Collier in April. The BBC presenters, who have worked together since last year, reportedly began their romance after Collier discovered Chapman had grown close to Cates, though he denied any overlap between their relationships. He told her that he had been a single man when he started spending time with Kelly,
a source told The Sun. Cates, 51, has previously spoken openly about her anxieties around dating, particularly as a middle-aged mother of two. I don’t have a picture in my head of why a middle-aged, slightly overweight mother of two could possibly be attractive,
she said, adding, 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.
Chapman’s Split with Collier and Cates’ Dating Reflections
Chapman, 52, ended his relationship with Collier, a mother-of-two, in April after three years, with sources describing the breakup as abrupt. Collier, who had been planning a future with Chapman, later accused him of dating Cates, which he admitted but insisted was unrelated to his previous relationship. He told her that he had been a single man when he started spending time with Kelly,
a source told The Sun. Cates, 51, has previously spoken openly about her anxieties around dating, particularly as a middle-aged mother of two. I don’t have a picture in my head of why a middle-aged, slightly overweight mother of two could possibly be attractive,
she said, adding, 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.
Collier, a property professional, had frequently traveled to the UK from the United Arab Emirates during their relationship, according to sources. Chapman and Collier had been making plans for the future before their split, with a source stating, They had been making plans for the future and their relationship had been going strong.
However, after the breakup, Collier reportedly confronted Chapman about his growing closeness to Cates, leading to his admission of the new relationship.
Presenters' on-Screen Chemistry Sparks Public Reaction Early
The pair, who became main presenters of the flagship show alongside Gabby Logan last season following Gary Lineker’s departure, have been photographed together during work events, including a stint on Celebrity Gogglebox in July. Their chemistry has been noted by colleagues, with Cates praising the great little group
dynamic with Chapman and co-host Gabby Logan. However, the relationship has sparked scrutiny, particularly after Collier’s accusations. A source close to the former couple told The Sun: It left a bad taste in Clere’s mouth, and she didn’t believe him.
Chapman, who was previously married to Sara for 19 years before she died in 2020 after a battle with cancer, has not publicly addressed the allegations. Both have emphasized their focus on work and family. The duo also appeared together on Celebrity Gogglebox in July, sitting side-by-side on the sofa, and were pictured house hunting together last year, according to reports.
Context of Chapman’s Personal Life and Career
Chapman, one of the BBC’s highest-paid broadcasters on £335,000 to £340,000 a year, has faced personal challenges, including the loss of his wife in 2020. His professional journey began as he bagged his own weekend show alongside Dave Vitty, before progressing up the ranks of Radio 5 Live. Chapman later became a fixture on Radio 5 Live, and hosted other major sporting events before taking on a more prominent role on the flagship programme. Cates, the daughter of Scotland and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, has a career in sports broadcasting that includes appearances on Logan’s podcast, The Mid Point, and her own work on Match of the Day. She previously married TV producer husband Tom in 2007, and the couple separated in 2021, during which they had two children. Cates has spoken about her confidence struggles following the divorce, stating, I don’t have a picture in my head of why a middle-aged, slightly overweight mother of two could possibly be attractive.
Chapman’s previous marriage lasted 19 years, ending with her death aged 44 in 2020 after a battle with cancer. The couple had three children together, and a source described the family’s situation as just a really sad situation
following her passing. After Sara’s death, Chapman continued his career in sports broadcasting, eventually joining Match of the Day as a host. Cates, who has two children with Tom, has also navigated personal challenges, including her divorce and the pressures of balancing family and work. Both presenters have emphasized their dedication to their roles, with Cates noting, Being on a team with them is genuinely really exciting. I feel like I’m in a great little group.
The BBC declined to comment on the relationship, while representatives for both Chapman and Cates were asked for statements. Chapman’s podcast, The Sports Agents, co-hosted with Gabby, and Cates’ appearances on The Mid Point highlight their continued presence in media. The pair’s collaboration on Match of the Day has drawn attention, with colleagues noting their professional synergy and the potential impact on the show’s dynamics.
Irish Mirror reported Chapman’s split with Collier and the alleged relationship with Cates, while Express and The Sun detailed the accusations and Chapman’s denials. AOL highlighted the couple’s chemistry, and Wales Online confirmed the reports. Chapman’s career has also included roles on Radio 5 Live, where he progressed up the ranks. Cates’ background as the daughter of Kenny Dalglish adds to her profile, with her father being a Scotland and Liverpool legend. The relationship has sparked discussions about the personal lives of public figures, with sources emphasizing the need for privacy amid the scrutiny. Both Chapman and Cates have maintained a focus on their professional responsibilities.