Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates' secret Match of the Day romance left BBC colleagues stunned as 'NO ONE knew'

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026.

Mark Chapman, 52, and fellow Match of the Day presenter Kelly Cates, 51, have been confirmed as a couple after colleagues were left stunned by their secret romance. Chapman is said to have split from Dubai-based estate agent Clere Collier in April after three years together, with Collier growing suspicious of his close bond with Cates. Chapman admitted the relationship but insisted there was no overlap between the two women.

Collier reportedly confronted Chapman, who told her he had been 'a single man' when he began spending more time with Cates.

Cates is the daughter of Liverpool and Scotland legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, and the pair were spotted together on 'Celebrity Gogglebox' in July.

Chapman was widowed in 2020 when his wife Sara died aged 44 after fighting cancer; the couple had shared three children.