BBC and Sky Sports presenter Mark Chapman has found a new romance following the tragic death of his wife. Chapman returns to our screens tonight for anchor coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final match between Southampton and Arsenal. He will front the BBC One show alongside critics Micah Richards and Theo Walcott. Kick-off at St Mary’s Stadium is scheduled for 8pm after Saturday’s FA Cup matches between Manchester City and Liverpool and Chelsea and Port Vale.
The 52-year-old is no stranger to officiating such high-profile matches, having established himself over the years as one of the most well-known and popular personalities in British sports broadcasting. Chapman is a familiar face covering soccer tournaments like the FA Cup and World Cup, as well as the NFL, the Olympics and rugby league. Last year he secured the most prominent role of his television career when he was appointed as one of three new Match of the Day presenters.
Chapman co-anchors the BBC’s flagship football show alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan, the latter of whom also hosts the Sports Agents podcast.
However, Chapman was at the peak of his career, and despite a very difficult period in his personal life, his professional achievements were fruitful. Chapman’s wife Sarah tragically passed away in June 2020 at the age of 44.
The two married in 2001 and have three children. Later, Sarah was diagnosed with cancer and passed away after a long battle with the disease.
A source told The Sun at the time: “Sadly Sarah passed away on June 3. Mark and the children are completely devastated. Their family was also there and it’s a really sad situation. They are a very private family and would appreciate people respecting that.”
Despite the obvious heartbreak for Chapman and his loved ones, the presenter has found love again. In 2024, it was revealed that he had started a relationship with real estate agent Claire Collier, who is believed to be seven years his junior.
On the presenter’s 51st birthday, Collier, who is based in Dubai but is said to be a frequent visitor to the UK, shared a photo of Chapman and wrote: “Happy birthday to this man, my only love.”
“I’m so proud of what you do. Biggest heart, kindest soul, leader of our pack, and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51 years old.”
The Sun reported that Collier previously worked at an agency in Hampstead, north London, and was considered a “socialite” with celebrity acquaintances including actor, singer and radio DJ Chris Moyles.
According to the publication, she has been married twice. Collier has two children from those relationships and also dated Another Level boy band star Dane Bowers. In early 2025, Collier and Chapman were photographed enjoying a romantic walk in the streets of Altrincham.
