Football viewers have voiced concern about Mark Chapman after noticing an unusually subdued performance during Saturday night’s edition of Match of the Day.
The 53-year-old is a familiar presence across television and radio, presenting for BBC Radio 5 Live, Sky Sports and the BBC’s flagship football programme.
Chapman shares hosting duties on the iconic show with Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan, and took his place in the studio for the latest episode.
However, alongside pundits Steph Houghton and Martin Keown, Chapman appeared noticeably quieter and more restrained than viewers are used to seeing.
His subdued tone was apparent from the opening moments, when he looked into the camera and said: ‘Five games on Match of the Day. Martin Keown and Steph Houghton are with us, and we start with Aston Villa against Manchester City, commentary from Simon Brotherton.’
He maintained the same brief style at the close of the programme, folding his arms before saying: ‘That’s it from us. Thanks to Martin and Steph. Goodnight.’
Viewers became concerned after noticing Mark Chapman’s subdued manner on Match of the Day
The presenter appeared less animated and talkative than usual during Saturday’s broadcast
The change did not go unnoticed, with several football fans taking to social media to question whether something was wrong.
One viewer wrote: ‘I like Mark Chapman, generally a top presenter, but has he received some bad news or something this evening? I can’t recall ever seeing him look any more disinterested or unhappy than he does tonight on @BBCMOTD.’
Another posted: ‘Anyone notice something strange with Match of the Day at the moment? Mark Chapman very, very brief and serious, saying the minimum with no smile.’
They continued: ‘Seems rushed. There are now no lower thirds for the pundits when they appear on screen for the first time. Are they just tight on time?’
A third fan asked: ‘Is it me, or is Mark Chapman not happy on tonight’s Match of the Day?’
Someone else added: ‘Mark Chapman was worryingly subdued last night on @BBCMOTD. Hope he is OK.’
Commenting on the programme’s abrupt opening, another viewer said: ‘Strange vibe in the studio tonight. Can’t get over that straight-to-business introduction from Chapman.’
One final supporter wrote: ‘Just watched MOTD — what’s up with Mark Chapman? He looked so disinterested tonight. Is something bothering him? Very odd, not like him at all.’
Reports earlier this month claimed Chapman is dating fellow Match of the Day presenter Kelly Cates, pictured in the centre
Chapman’s appearance came after reports last month revealed proposed job cuts at BBC Sport, with 41 positions set to be eliminated as part of a wider cost-saving programme across the corporation.
Daily Mail Sport understands that the figure includes seven journalism posts, among them four senior positions.
Staff were also told last month that sports bulletins on the 24-hour BBC News channel would be discontinued as part of the effort to reduce spending.
The planned reductions, first reported by Daily Mail Sport, could force some employees to reapply for their positions, while some staff are reportedly considering strike action.
Separately, reports emerged earlier this month that Chapman was dating fellow Match of the Day host Cates.
Although the pair do not present the programme on the same nights, Chapman and Cates appeared together on the same sofa during Celebrity Gogglebox in July. They have also been seen together in public since reports of their relationship surfaced.
Chapman was previously married to Sara for 19 years. She died aged 44 in 2020 following a battle with cancer, and the couple had three children.
Cates, the daughter of Scotland and Liverpool great Kenny Dalglish, was married to television producer Tom Cates, with whom she has two children. They separated in 2021.
