Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates, co-presenters of the BBC’s football highlights programme Match of the Day, are reportedly in a romantic relationship. The two have hosted the show together since last year, following the departure of long-time presenter Gary Lineker in May 2023.

According to sources, Chapman, 52, ended a three-year relationship with Clere Collier, an estate agent based in Dubai, earlier this year. Collier has accused Chapman of becoming close to Cates soon after their split. Chapman has acknowledged his relationship with Cates but denied any overlap, asserting that he was single when he began seeing her.

A source familiar with the situation stated that Chapman’s breakup with Collier came unexpectedly. The couple had been discussing plans for the future when the split occurred. Although Chapman and Collier remained in contact after separating, Collier says she became concerned after noticing Chapman’s increasing closeness with Cates. She has expressed skepticism regarding Chapman’s assurances that there was no infidelity.

Chapman and Cates, 51, share presenting duties on Match of the Day alongside Gabby Logan, although their on-screen segments do not coincide. The pair also appeared together on the television programme Celebrity Gogglebox in July 2023, sitting side by side.

Chapman’s background includes a long marriage of 19 years to his late wife Sara, who passed away from cancer in 2020. The couple had three children. He reportedly began dating Collier, a mother of two, in 2023, with Collier frequently traveling between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

Cates, daughter of former Scotland footballer Kenny Dalglish, was previously married to TV producer Tom Cates. The couple separated in 2021 after 14 years of marriage and have two children.

The developments come amid a period of upheaval for Match of the Day following Lineker’s departure. Viewer numbers declined by approximately 500,000 after the show introduced its new presenting team in August 2023. BBC Sport is currently facing internal tensions over proposed plans to cut 41 roles, leading to speculation about planned strike actions. Staff have expressed concerns that changes prioritize online engagement over serving licence fee payers.