Former model Kirsty Gallacher is making a much-anticipated return to television this weekend, joining chef James Martin on his ITV Saturday Morning cooking show on April 19, 2025. The beloved presenter, who first gained fame as a Sky Sports News anchor in 1998, is set to share insights into her life today, reflecting on her personal and professional journey.
Gallacher, now 49, became a household name after her early years on Sky Sports, where she not only anchored the news but also hosted shows like Kirsty's Home Video and collaborated with Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly on their popular segment, Ant Vs Dec, during Saturday Night Takeaway. Her career continued to flourish as she fronted the morning show RISE in 2002 and made appearances on various other programs, including They Think It's All Over and A Question Of Sport.
In recent years, Gallacher has shifted her focus from television to radio, currently hosting weekdays on Gold Radio, where she plays "All Time Classics" from the 50s to the 80s—a role she describes as a dream job. This transition marks a significant change from her earlier television-centric career.
Born into a family of celebrities, Kirsty is the daughter of renowned golfer and Ryder Cup Captain Bernard Gallacher. Her sister, Laura, is an accomplished author and illustrator, married to comedian Russell Brand, with whom she shares three children. This rich family background has often kept Kirsty in the public eye.
Gallacher's personal life has seen its share of challenges, particularly following her 15-year relationship with former rugby player Paul Sampson, which ended in divorce in 2015. The couple, who were married for five years, have two sons together, Oscar, 17, and Jude, 14. In a candid discussion on Aimee Fuller's Monday Mile podcast, Kirsty opened up about the loneliness she felt after her divorce. "When I got divorced, when I separated, obviously the kids would spend time with their father, and me. I was horrendously lonely, [I was] not in a good place, very sad. Because it was completely different and I actually don't really love being on my own. I like being surrounded by family and noise," she shared.
Despite the difficulties of single motherhood and the balancing act between her career and family life, Kirsty has learned to embrace her alone time. "I like my peace now and I've grown to like that and enjoy it, probably purely because I'm so busy, so juxtaposed to the mania sometimes of the house, it's quite nice to have just a minute to kind of breathe," she explained.
In recent years, Kirsty has also faced health challenges, having been diagnosed with a non-cancerous acoustic neuroma in her right ear in 2021. This condition led her to step down from her role on GB News to focus on her health. "The tumour is a benign acoustic neuroma which they don't really know how they are caused. I am in close contact with my consultant and recently it was great to hear that it hasn't grown so I can put off treatment. Eventually, I may need treatment to shrink it but with these things, you never know it could shrink itself," she explained to the Daily Star.
The discovery of the tumour has affected her quality of life, as it has caused low-level tinnitus, making it difficult for her to sleep. According to the NHS, tinnitus is characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears, which can disrupt concentration and sleep for many.
On a brighter note, Kirsty has found love again with former rugby player Darren Clayton, whom she met at a charity event hosted by mutual friends Gabby Logan and her husband Kenny. They both participated in a charity walk and bike ride to raise funds for motor neurone disease, a cause that holds special significance for Kirsty. "I joined Kenny and Gabby on this challenge, to raise awareness and funds in memory of the great Scottish rugby player, Doddie Weir," she said. Reflecting on their connection, she added, "You know when you just meet someone and they're obviously good-looking, and you're attracted to them? That was it. I just got on really well with him."
After a year together, Kirsty is optimistic about their relationship, stating, "We've really enjoyed our last year together, it's really lovely. Let's see what happens!" Their shared experiences as single parents have helped them bond, and they have even discussed the idea of marriage, with Kirsty noting, "We do talk about getting married. Funnily, he's much more into the idea of marriage than I am. I'm very much like: 'Do we need that?'"
As she prepares for her return to television, Kirsty reflects on her life's journey, feeling as though she's lived three distinct lives: one in her twenties, focused on her early career; her thirties, defined by her career and motherhood; and now her forties, navigating a new chapter. "It's a funny thing," she mused, acknowledging the changes she's embraced.
As fans eagerly await her appearance on James Martin's Saturday Morning, they can expect to see a more seasoned and reflective Kirsty Gallacher, ready to share her story and insights with a new generation of viewers.
