KELLY Cates is a trailblazing British sports broadcaster who has paved the way for women in the predominantly masculine world of football coverage.
Reports have emerged that she is set to quit her job at Sky Sports and take on a new role hosting Match of the Day.
Kelly Cates was born in Glasgow, Scotland on September 28, 1975.
She is the daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish and has established herself as a respected figure in sports journalism.
Kelly was married to Tom Cates between 2007 and 2021, with the couple sharing two daughters together.
Throughout her career, she has worked for various networks and covered numerous high-profile events.
She’s been on BBC Radio 5 Live since 2013, presenting iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sundays up until 2018.
After joining Sky Sports her role on the BBC was reduced, but Kelly returned to host midweek sports show 5 Live Sport, while also providing coverage for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
She made history as the first female presenter on talkSPORT.
Kelly has also presented ITV‘s World Cup and Channel 4‘s Paralympic Games coverage.
Her versatility as a broadcaster is evident in her work across television and radio platforms.
Beyond her broadcasting career, she is known for her involvement in charitable work, serving as an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and Unicef.
In mid-December 2024, reports emerged claiming Kelly is set to make a significant career move.
She is reportedly set to join the BBC’s Match of the Day team following the departure of longtime host Gary Lineker, who started hosting the show in 1999.
The former Spurs and Barcelona striker became one of the best and most-loved sports broadcasters in the country.
It is understood that the move would see Kelly leave her current position at Sky Sports to team up with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman on Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2.
The three presenters would share hosting responsibilities on a rotating basis, it’s understood.
If confirmed, the change would mark a new era for the staple English football highlights show, which was hosted by Gary for 25 years.
Sky Sports bosses are reportedly sad to see Kelly leave her roles at the broadcasting giant.
