by
David Prior
BBC Sport presenter Mark Chapman returned to Radio 5 Live last night for the first time since the death of his wife last month.
Chapman hosted 5 Live Sport’s coverage of Manchester United against Southampton yesterday, having returned to front Sunday’s Match of the Day 2 the previous evening.
His wife, Sara, passed away in early June after a long cancer illness.
Last night, BBC commentator Ian Dennis paid an emotional tribute to his colleague.
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"It's great to have you back" ❤️@Iandennisbbc and @chris_sutton73 pay an emotional tribute to @markchapman 👏
📲 https://t.co/5Du5Yilmm1 pic.twitter.com/8WFaiT6CYT
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) July 13, 2020
He said: “Mark I must say, and I know you don’t want a fuss, and I know you don’t want it to be about you, but equally I know how much you are admired and respected, not just from from the rest of our colleagues, but many many listeners and indeed viewers last night on the TV. It’s great to have you back.”
Chapman replied: “Thank you for all the messages I have got from people who have listened to our coverage. Me and the kids appreciate all the support that you are giving us, it is very kind.”
Chapman, 46, replaced Mark Pougatch as the main presenter of 5 Live Sport on Saturday afternoons in 2016.
