The relationship between Match of the Day presenters Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates is said to have taken colleagues at the BBC by surprise, with insiders claiming the pair had kept their romance remarkably private.
It emerged on Tuesday that Chapman, 52, and Cates, 51, were dating.
People working around the BBC football show apparently had no idea the presenters were together, according to a source in the broadcaster’s sport department.
“The chatter in the BBC Sport department since their relationship was revealed has been off the charts," the insider told The Sun.
"No one appears to have known they were dating.
"When the news came out, people were talking about it and were flabbergasted as no one knew it was going on.
"Chappers and Kelly have clearly been very professional and have been very discreet about their relationship.
"Their romance has been the best-kept secret in sport.”
Chapman was seen out shopping in Cheshire after the news emerged.
The presenter, whose annual BBC earnings are reported to be around £340,000, picked up two ravioli ready meals and a microwavable spaghetti carbonara from Marks & Spencer.
The publication says he was also seen talking on his phone while carrying a takeaway coffee.
The pair appeared together on Channel 4’s Celebrity Gogglebox this summer, after sharing the sofa on the programme the previous year.
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Their contrasting body language between the two appearances has since drawn attention.
In 2025, the presenters sat apart as they watched footage of an animal being castrated.
Chapman had his arms folded, while Cates kept her hands clasped by her side.
This summer, they were again seated on the same sofa, but appeared more relaxed and sat closer together.
There was no sign of the folded arms or clasped hands seen in the earlier episode.
The renewed attention follows reports that Chapman became close to Cates after his three-year relationship with estate agent Clere Collier ended in April.
People close to Chapman have said he was not dating Cates and Collier at the same time.
Cates is believed to have been single since separating from television producer Tom Cates in 2021. The couple had been married for 14 years.
Chapman and Cates are among the presenters who share duties on Match of the Day with Gabby Logan.
The trio took over the role last year following Gary Lineker’s departure from the long-running BBC football programme.
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