Mark Chapman (broadcaster)

Early life

Chapman was born in Rochdale, Lancashire, but spent the majority of his youth in Sale on the other side of the city of Manchester. He attended Manchester Grammar School, and during his time there developed an interest in radio broadcasting, wanting to work for Radio 1 from the age of 13. He went on to achieve a degree in French and Business Studies from the University of Hull.

Broadcasting career

Chapman began his career in 1996 as a continuity announcer on BBC Television before becoming the cricket correspondent for BBC North East radio. Chapman then joined BBC Radio 1 as a sports reporter working on the Sara Cox show and later on the Scott Mills show, where he was nicknamed Chappers, before joining Radio 5 Live to host 5 live Sport on Monday evenings in 2010. Between 2009 and 2013, Chapman was the main stand in presenter on Final Score, Match of the Day 2 and other BBC Sport programmes. Following the departure of Colin Murray, Chapman became the main host of Match of the Day 2 in August 2013, and also became the main host of the BBC's coverage of Rugby League that year. In August 2016, Chapman replaced Mark Pougatch as the main presenter of 5live Sport on Saturday afternoons, and he continues to host the Monday evening edition of the programme alongside other midweek shows.

Writing

Chapman wrote a monthly column for Shoot Monthly magazine. In 2010, he released his first book, entitled Heroes, Hairbands and Hissy Fits: Chappers' History of Modern Football, in which he gives a harsh critique of modern football and players both professional and part-time.

Personal life

For Sport Relief in 2008, Chapman and Comedy Dave ran 32 miles at 32 Premier League clubs in England and Scotland.

Chapman completed the 2008 and 2010 London Marathons for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent. In 2012, he was part of a team that cycled from Land's End to John o' Groats in aid of the Donna Louise Children's Hospice Trust in Stoke-on-Trent.

Chapman is a Manchester United football fan. He is also a fan of Hull F.C. owing to his time at university in Hull. He lives in Hale, Greater Manchester with his wife Sara and their children Ben, Jessie and Milly.