Mark Chapman will front coverage of England against Argentina in a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday. The 52-year-old presenter has worked for the for three decades, and the assignment places him at the centre of one of the broadcaster’s biggest live nights.
For viewers and listeners following the World Cup coverage, the key change is simple: Chapman is the face of the programme on Wednesday. He steps into the role after Gary Lineker departed Match of the Day after 26 years, alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan, who stepped up in the same period.
Mark Chapman and Sara
Chapman’s rise to the assignment has also been shaped by events away from the studio. His wife, Sara, died aged 44 from cancer in 2020, after 19 years of marriage, and they shared three children. Chapman made an emotional return to his duties in July 2020, a month after her death.
That background sits behind the reaction from colleagues who have already put him forward as a major broadcasting figure. Ian Dennis said: “Mark, I must say, and I know you don't want a fuss, and I know you don't want it to be about you, but equally I know how much you are admired and respected, not just from the rest of our colleagues, but many, many listeners and indeed viewers last night on the TV. It's great to have you back.”
Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan
Kelly Cates said: “I think he is the absolute best.” She added that he “covers every sport with the same level of knowledge and interest, making everything seem worth watching or listening to” and “uses what he knows to ask the right question rather than back up his own opinion.”
Danny Murphy also backed Chapman as the obvious successor. On Kick Off on talkSPORT, he said: “I feel that they've got [a candidate],” before naming “Mark Chapman, who I work with a lot on Sundays.” Murphy added: “I think he's a brilliant presenter and very, very knowledgeable on sport and football. Somebody who is ready-made for it... he would be the glaring, obvious choice for me.”
Radio 5 Live colleagues
Nedum Onuoha offered a similar view on Planet Premier League, saying Chapman is “somebody that knows the game very well, is deeply passionate about it and is very good at providing a space where all the different pundits and people involved feel comfortable.” He added: “He tries to get the best out of you.”
For Wednesday, that means Chapman is not just filling a slot. He is taking the lead on a World Cup semi-final in front of an audience that has already heard his colleagues describe him as experienced, knowledgeable and ready for the job. What remains unresolved is the exact permanent presenting role he will hold after Gary Lineker’s departure.
