Kirsty Gallacher reveals she’s joining the team at GB News after stepping down from Soccer Aid role

Broadcaster and journalist Kirsty Gallacher is joining GB News as part of the soon-to-launch channel’s breakfast team, MailOnline can exclusively reveal.

The news comes days after the TV presenter, 45, announced she had stepped down from her role in Soccer Aid after 10 years of hosting the charity match.  

Former Sky Sports host Kirsty told MailOnline: ‘Journalism is my first love and I’m thrilled to be getting back into the heart of it at GB News.

New horizons: Broadcaster and journalist Kirsty Gallacher is joining GB News as part of the soon-to-launch channel’s breakfast team, MailOnline can exclusively reveal

‘We’re really challenging the status quo with a fresh approach to news and debate and at this point in my career it just feels like absolutely the right thing – and the best thing – to be doing.

‘The channel has an amazing energy and excitement and there’s a real spirit of innovation there. It’ll definitely look and feel different, I think.

‘It’s a small team but it already feels like a family. Everyone’s piling in and doing a dozen jobs each. It’s incredible to be joining at the beginning and building something from scratch.

‘GB News is the first new British news channel since Sky launched more than 30 years ago, so it really feels like we’re making broadcasting history. I can’t wait to get started!’

Role: The news comes days after the TV presenter, 45, announced she had stepped down from her role in Soccer Aid after 10 years of hosting the charity match (pictured in 2019)

Role: The news comes days after the TV presenter, 45, announced she had stepped down from her role in Soccer Aid after 10 years of hosting the charity match (pictured in 2019)

Kirsty served as one of the main faces of Sky Sports and Sky Sports News for almost 20 years and has anchored various news programmes including Channel 4’s morning show RI:SE.

Her versatility as a host has extended to dozens of other shows including Ant Versus Dec on Saturday Night Takeaway, Gladiators, Kirsty’s Home Videos, Simply the Best and the reality series The Games.

She appeared for charity on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and took part in the 2015 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Last week, Kirsty confirmed she’s not returning to Soccer Aid, which has raised an impressive £38million for Unicef since 2006, saying she’s ‘loved every minute’.

Moving on: Her revelation comes days after BBC News presenter Simon McCoy announced he is leaving the corporation after 18 years to also join the GB News team

Moving on: Her revelation comes days after BBC News presenter Simon McCoy announced he is leaving the corporation after 18 years to also join the GB News team

Kirsty has hosted the football match for the past decade and has been joined by The X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary, 47, since 2010. 

Confirming she’s leaving her hosting gig, Kirsty said: ‘I’ve loved every minute of my experience on Soccer Aid, it’s been fabulous to work with Dermot, such an amazing team and the amazing players that have kindly given up their time to play.

‘I can confirm I’m stepping down – it feels like the right time after ten years and following a record breaking year in 2020 and excitingly I’ve got a new project that will prevent me from taking part.’

‘I will take away many fond memories and feel personally proud that in addition to the money raised from the match, myself and Rachel Riley also raised £160k for Unicef on The Chase – a charity that will always remain close to my heart.’

Meanwhile, an ITV spokesperson said: ‘Kirsty Gallacher will be stepping down from Soccer Aid ahead of this year’s tournament. 

First lobve: Former Sky Sports host Kirsty told MailOnline, 'Journalism is my first love and I’m thrilled to be getting back into the heart of it at GB News' (pictured in 2019)

First lobve: Former Sky Sports host Kirsty told MailOnline, ‘Journalism is my first love and I’m thrilled to be getting back into the heart of it at GB News’ (pictured in 2019) 

‘Everyone at ITV and Soccer Aid would like to thank her for her ten years with the event and we hope to work with her again in the future.’

The 2020 Soccer Aid match was played behind-closed-doors at Old Trafford stadium and saw a record £9,331,174 raised for Unicef.

The game ended 1-1 and saw a penalty shootout however the Soccer Aid World XI team managed to hold onto their winners’ title for another year.

Celebrities and athletes who took part in the star-studded line-up included Usain Bolt, Kem Cetinay, Mo Gilligan, Olly Murs and Kelly Smith.

Kirsty’s revelation that she is joining GB News comes days after Simon McCoy announced he was leaving the BBC after 18 years to present on the network.

Long running: The presenter, 45, has hosted the football match for the past decade and has been joined by The X Factor presenter Dermot O'Leary, 47, since 2010 (pictured in 2020)

Long running: The presenter, 45, has hosted the football match for the past decade and has been joined by The X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary, 47, since 2010 (pictured in 2020)

GB News, the broadcaster run by former BBC presenter Andrew Neil, announced Simon McCoy would be joining them just as he started his last show last week.

He is among a number of signings to the new broadcaster, along with Sky News stalwart Colin Brazier and new MailOnline columnist Dan Wootton, formerly of The Sun and talkRADIO.

The channel will launch in Freeview later this year amid claims they are trying to woo Piers Morgan after he left ITV.

Away from cameras, it has been reported that Kirsty is dating retired boxing champion Johnny Nelson.

It is thought that Kirsty and former cruiserweight world champion, 54, met while working at Sky Sports and have now formed a COVID support bubble. 

What a year: The 2020 Soccer Aid match was played behind-closed-doors at Old Trafford stadium and saw a record £9,331,174 raised for Unicef (pictured the World XI with their trophy)

What a year: The 2020 Soccer Aid match was played behind-closed-doors at Old Trafford stadium and saw a record £9,331,174 raised for Unicef (pictured the World XI with their trophy)

A source told The Sun On Sunday: ‘They have kept it quiet but Kirsty and Johnny’s relationship is going great guns. They are really keen on each other and friends and family think the romance is for keeps.

‘They have a lot in common, obviously sports and keeping fit. Kirsty is a big boxing fan and finds Johnny funny and charming.’

MailOnline has contacted Kirsty and Johnny’s representatives for further comment.

The sporting stars’ paths also crossed last year when Kirsty interviewed Johnny for her Stripped Back Sport podcast. They also follow each other on Instagram. 

The claims come just days after Kirsty said she feels ‘completely ready’ to have a baby with her new mystery boyfriend.

Claims: Away from cameras, it has been reported that Kirsty is dating retired boxing champion Johnny Nelson, 54 (pictured fighting in Rome in 2005)

Claims: Away from cameras, it has been reported that Kirsty is dating retired boxing champion Johnny Nelson, 54 (pictured fighting in Rome in 2005)

The TV host and mother-of-two is in a new relationship and said she is thinking about having a third child – but would want to get pregnant ‘sooner rather than later’.

She parted ways with her ex-husband, retired rugby player Paul Sampson, 43, in 2015 after a 15-year relationship and they co-parent two sons Oscar, 14, and Jude, 11.

Kirsty said: ‘I wouldn’t put anything past having another child… I’d obviously want to do it sooner rather than later, but I toy with it right now.’ 

Speaking on Women’s Health podcast, Going For Goal, she added: ‘I’m in a new relationship right now and I feel like saying if someone’s got a problem [with her having another child at 45], why is that?

Split: The broadcaster parted ways with her ex-husband, retired rugby player Paul Sampson, 43, in 2015 after a 15-year relationship (pictured in 2011)

Split: The broadcaster parted ways with her ex-husband, retired rugby player Paul Sampson, 43, in 2015 after a 15-year relationship (pictured in 2011)  

‘Why am I too old? What is the problem if I’m fit, healthy, able, and we want to do that?’ 

The fitness enthusiast said she feels physically and mentally prepared to get pregnant again, saying: ‘I’d love another child, I feel completely ready for it.

‘I feel healthier than ever, fitter than ever, I think my mind’s better than it’s ever been.’ 

Kirsty was formerly married to retired rugby player Paul Sampson, 43, however they parted ways in 2015 after a 15-year relationship.

The former couple met in 1999 shortly after Paul had won his first cap for England and Kirsty was made the new face of Sky Sports News.  

Doting mama: The former couple co-parent two sons Oscar, 14, and Jude, 11 (pictured)

Doting mama: The former couple co-parent two sons Oscar, 14, and Jude, 11 (pictured)