Match of the Day presenters Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates recently met for a private rendezvous in New York City, extending their time in the United States following the 2023 FIFA World Cup. Chapman, 52, who anchored BBC’s coverage of the England versus Argentina semi-final in Atlanta on July 15, was expected to return directly to the United Kingdom but instead made a stopover in New York, where Cates, 51, was covering the World Cup final for BBC Radio Five Live on July 19.

According to an industry source, Chapman cited a business meeting as the reason for his visit to New York, but also arranged to meet Cates for a date during his stay. The source described New York as an ideal location for their developing relationship. Both presenters had been in Atlanta for the England semi-final, and their private connection had been reported earlier showing that they have been romantically involved since May, having grown closer while working together on Match of the Day.

Chapman, known by the nickname “Chappers,” told Gabby Logan on the Sports Agents podcast that he was not scheduled to work on the World Cup final. He explained his plans to return to the UK to cover the Open golf tournament at Royal Birkdale, stating he would follow Cates’s radio coverage of the final while traveling. Sources indicate that Chapman did not return to the UK before July 18 and attended the golf event on July 19 as planned, following a route that included New York, thereby avoiding additional BBC expenses.

Prior to his relationship with Cates, Chapman was involved with Clere Collier, a Dubai-based mother of two, for three years before they amicably ended their relationship in April. Chapman and Cates have publicly displayed a friendly rapport, including flirtatious moments on television’s Celebrity Gogglebox earlier this summer.

Kelly Cates is the daughter of Liverpool football legend Kenny Dalglish. She separated from her husband, television producer Tom, in 2021; the couple share two children. Chapman lost his wife, Sara, to cancer in 2020 after 19 years of marriage; they had three children together.

The BBC declined to comment on the matter, and representatives for both Chapman and Cates were contacted for statements but did not respond.