BBC presenter Mark Chapman, the favourite to take over the Match of the Day hot seat from Gary Lineker, has found happiness with a glamorous Dubai-based estate agent following the tragic death of his wife four years ago.
The popular host is pictured on social media spending quality time with Clere Collier, 43 - despite the logistical challenges of dating when based in different continents.
Earlier this year it was revealed Chapman had started dating again after meeting divorcee Clere - his first relationship since the death of beloved wife Sara four years ago.
And the couples relationship looks to have been flourishing in recent months despite the distance between them with high flying Clere running an international property empire from the Gulf state.
The mother-of-two, who uses her contacts in the Emirates to invest in Londons property market, makes regular UK trips for work and to spend time with Chapman in Manchester, where he is based.
Mark Chapman, the favourite to take over the Match of the Day hot seat from Gary Lineker, is pictured with his girlfriend, Clere Collier, 43
Earlier this year it was revealed Chapman had started dating again after meeting divorcee Clere - his first relationship since the death of beloved wife Sara four years ago
Chapman with his wife Sara who died from cancer in June 2020. The couple have three children
Chapman was the bookies favourite to become the new Match of the Day host after the BBC announced Gary Lineker is leaving the show at the end of the season.
But a storm reportedly kicked off after it was claimed bosses are pushing for a job share with Chapman and Kelly Somers presenting the show on a rotating basis.
According to reports the presenter nicknamed Chappers is not a fan of the idea and is said to have flatly refused to split the role with Somers, 33 and is said to have made his feelings known to BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski.
Chapman is already one of the BBCs hardest working presenters and currently hosts Match of the Day 2 as well as presenting a range of programmes on Radio 5 Live.
He also presents the BBCs Champions League highlights and fronts Sky Sports Carabao Cup coverage.
Last month, as Chapman celebrated his 51st birthday, Clere paid a glowing tribute to the man she calls my love on Instagram.
Posting an image of the couple together as they took a stroll across the moors she wrote: Happy birthday to this one. My one love.
So proud of all you do, the biggest heart, the kindest soul, the leader of our pack and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51.
Other images showed the couple holding hands and enjoying days out together at a series of locations.
The couples relationship has been seemingly flourishing in recent months despite the distance between them with high flying Clere running an international property empire from the Gulf state
The mother-of-two, who uses her contacts in the Emirates to invest in Londons property market, makes regular UK trips for work and to spend time with Chapman in Manchester, where he is based
An earlier post features pictures of Chapman enjoying an Easter break at a five star hotel in Dubai.
Clere first revealed their romance on January 3 when she posted a black and white image of the couple sharing a kiss as she said: Happy 2024, heading into the new year with this one by my side knowing its going to be a good one!
Clere - who was married to husband James for three years before they split up - was previously linked with pop star Dane Bowers.
She dated the former Another Level singer after his relationship with ex-Love Island star Laura Anderson ended.
Chapman, who has worked for the BBC since 1996, was left heartbroken after Sara died in 2020 after a battle with cancer.
The couple married in 2000 and their children were aged 17, 12 and six when tragedy struck.
As the furore erupted over the future of the BBCs flagship football programme Chapman joked I could do with a PA during a new podcast with co-host Gabby Logan who has also been tipped as a future host of the programme.
It comes after Lineker, 63, confirmed he is leaving the show after 25 years despite reportedly offering to give up £350,000 of his £1.35million salary to stay in the role.
Chapman was the bookies favourite to become the new Match of the Day host after the BBC announced Gary Lineker is leaving the show at the end of the season
Chapman is already one of the BBCs hardest working presenters and currently hosts Match of the Day 2 as well as presenting a range of programmes on Radio 5 Live
In a bid to freshen up the format, rotating hosts have been considered with Alex Scott and Kelly Cates also among names in the frame as future presenters.
The idea has been branded a cop out by pundits with Troy Deeney, who appeared alongside Chapman on Match of the Day 2 at the weekend, saying: I feel its an iconic show and youre used to seeing one person.
I want to go and see one person, whether that be Chappers or that be Kelly. I know both of them, great, great people.
So whoever you choose to go with, I think trying to job share it is a cop out, in my opinion.
Make a decision, go with somebody and then we all know thats where the shows going, thats who it is.