Mark 'Chappers' Chapman is one of football's most popular presenters.
Hosting the BBC's highlights show as well as fronting Sky Sports' coverage of the Carabao Cup, he is now the bookies' favourite to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day when he leaves at the end of the Premier League season in 2025.
However, off-screen, Mark, 51, has suffered heartbreak after his wife, Sara, sadly died at the age of 44 in 2020 from cancer. The couple were married for 19 years and had three children together.
Mark previously said of his family: “I know my family are very proud of me but I don’t look at what I do as being anything particularly special. I’ve got a great job and it’s so much fun but I don’t go in for any of that celebrity-nonsense. I’d much prefer a pint at The Railway any day.”
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Twitter)On hearing the news of Sara's passing, former Football Focus host, Dan Walker, led a heartfelt tribute to Mark during BBC Breakfast in June 2020.
He said: "I think we'd all like to send our love and support to him and his young family. I know Mark really well, and last year, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. Straight away, Mark was on the phone saying, 'Listen, if you need any help, any advice, what to do.'
"He talked about how his wife Sara had been going through the process twice — the cancer had come back to her in 2019. He was so supportive and it must be really hard for him and his young family to go through what they're going through."
Returning to work in July 2020, a month after Sara's death, Mark was also given an emotional tribute by his colleague at Radio 5 Live, Ian Dennis.
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Visionhaus)He 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 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."
Mark replied: "Thank you for all the messages I have got from people who have listened to our coverage. Me and the kids appreciate all the support that you are giving us, it is very kind."
Earlier this year, it was reported that the presenter from Rochdale had found happiness again with estate agent, Clere Collier, a 43-year-old mother-of-two, who is based in Dubai. She has previously been linked to Dane Bowers and makes regular visits to the UK for work and to see Mark..
A source told The Sun in February: “It’s early days but Mark and Clere are in a good place and enjoying each other’s company. Mark’s focus has always been his children and work, so a relationship was unexpected. He and Clere are taking things slow and just seeing how it all plays out, but it’s clear to see they are really into each other.”
Clere has two children from a previous relationship and has in the past been linked to former Another Level singer, Dane. The former boyband star and the mum-of-two were reportedly dating last year after his relationship with ex-Love Island star Laura Anderson ended. Clere had been married to her husband, James, for three years before they split up.
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