Kelly Somers is a highly acclaimed British sports presenter and journalist, widely recognized as a trailblazer for women in football broadcasting and the host of the official Fantasy Premier League (FPL) podcast. As of 2026, she remains a prominent face across major networks including the BBC, Amazon Prime Video, and Channel 4, where she covers everything from the Premier League and UEFA Nations League to major international tournaments. In 2020, Somers made history by becoming only the sixth woman to present an edition of the iconic BBC program Match of the Day, and she continues to be a central figure in the UK’s sports media landscape through her work on Football Focus, Final Score, and her own interview series, The Football Interview.
Early Life and Education
Kelly Somers’ passion for sports journalism was evident nearly two decades before she became a household name.
Childhood Achievement: Born on December 21, 1990, in Watford, Kelly won a writing competition for the Watford Observer at the age of nine with a report on a Watford vs. Leicester City match.
Academic Foundation: She was educated at Parmiter’s School before attending Loughborough University, an institution famed for its sporting excellence, and later earned a postgraduate qualification in broadcast journalism from Nottingham Trent University.
Early Professional Steps: Before her television breakthrough, she spent four years in the media department of AFC Bournemouth, playing a key role during the club’s historic promotion to the Premier League in 2015.
This grounded start in club media provided her with a unique “behind-the-scenes” perspective that many traditional journalists lack. She often cites her time at Bournemouth as the period where she learned the technical demands of production, social media, and player relations.
Breakthrough and “Match of the Day” History
While she had been a regular on Final Score and The Women’s Football Show since 2017, the early 2020s marked her transition to a top-tier presenter.
Making History in 2020
In August 2020, Kelly Somers became the sixth woman to present Match of the Day when she hosted the FA Community Shield coverage. This milestone solidified her place as one of the BBC’s most trusted presenters, leading to expanded roles across their flagship football output.
Major Tournament Coverage
Kelly has been a staple of “Tournament Football,” serving as the BBC’s embedded England team reporter for both UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Her ability to deliver calm, insightful reports from the heart of the England camp made her a fan favorite and a respected peer among elite players.
Current Roles and Projects in 2026
In 2026, Kelly’s portfolio is more diverse than ever, spanning television, podcasts, and digital streaming platforms.
FPL Pod Host: She remains the primary host of the Official Fantasy Premier League Podcast, reaching millions of managers globally each Gameweek with tactical insights and expert guests.
The Wayne Rooney Show: A recent addition to her 2025/2026 schedule, Kelly co-hosts this high-profile BBC series where she facilitates in-depth tactical discussions with the Manchester United legend.
Amazon Prime & Channel 4: She continues to lead live Premier League match-day coverage for Amazon Prime Video and serves as a lead reporter for Channel 4’s coverage of England’s UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Beyond football, she has also demonstrated her versatility by presenting the PDC World Darts Championship and providing key reporting during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Diversity and Impact in Media
As a “trailblazer” in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Kelly Somers uses her platform to advocate for systemic change.
Speaker Topics: She is a sought-after speaker for corporate events, focusing on gender diversity in sports media, the evolution of digital platforms, and overcoming “imposter syndrome” in competitive fields.
Work-Life Balance: Since becoming a mother in late 2023, Kelly has been vocal about the challenges of juggling a demanding broadcasting career with parenthood, inspiring a new generation of women in the industry.
She famously participated in the 2023 BBC boycott in solidarity with Gary Lineker, demonstrating her commitment to integrity and the rights of her colleagues within the broadcasting union.
Practical Information and Planning
For those looking to follow Kelly’s work or book her for professional engagements in 2026, here are the essential details.
Where to Watch: BBC One (Football Focus, Final Score), Amazon Prime Video (Live PL), and Channel 4 (England matches).
Where to Listen: The FPL Pod (Apple/Spotify/BBC Sounds) and BBC Radio 5 Live.
Social Media: She is highly active on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where she shares behind-the-scenes content from major stadiums.
Booking: For event hosting or keynote speaking, she is represented by Tongue Tied Management and Champions Speakers.
Expertise: Her core strengths include live match-day presentation, elite athlete interviewing, and digital content strategy.
FAQs
How old is Kelly Somers?
As of February 2026, Kelly Somers is 35 years old. She was born on December 21, 1990.
Is Kelly Somers married?
Kelly is currently with her fiancé, Max. The couple has been open about their personal journey and celebrated the birth of their first child in late 2023.
Does Kelly Somers have children?
Yes, she has one daughter, born in November 2023. She often shares updates on “juggling the work-life balance” as a traveling sports reporter and a mum.
What team does Kelly Somers support?
Kelly is a lifelong Watford FC supporter. She grew up in the town and began her journalism journey writing for the local Watford Observer.
Which university did Kelly Somers go to?
She attended Loughborough University for her undergraduate studies and Nottingham Trent University for her postgraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Is Kelly Somers still hosting the FPL podcast?
Yes, as of the 2025/2026 season, Kelly remains the lead host of the Official FPL Pod alongside regular guests like Julien Laurens and Sam Bonfield.
Has Kelly Somers ever played professional football?
No, Kelly is a trained broadcast journalist. While she has a deep tactical understanding of the game, her background is in media and communications rather than professional play.
What was Kelly Somers’ first job in football?
Her first major professional role was in the media department at AFC Bournemouth, where she spent four years before moving into freelance reporting and national television.
Who are the other female Match of the Day presenters?
Kelly was the sixth woman to host the show, following pioneers like Jacqui Oatley, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott.
What major tournaments has she covered?
She has provided on-the-ground coverage for the 2018 FIFA World Cup (Optus Sport), the 2019 Women’s World Cup (BBC), Euro 2020, and the 2022 World Cup.
What is Kelly Somers’ role on The Wayne Rooney Show?
She acts as the lead presenter and facilitator, guiding Wayne Rooney and various guests through analysis of Premier League tactics and current football trends.
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