Gabby Logan Leaves Match of the Day Mid Show After Death of Father Terry Yorath
Gabby Logan was forced to step away from Match of the Day during Wednesday night’s broadcast after the death of her father, former Leeds and Wales midfielder Terry Yorath, who passed away at the age of 75 following a short illness.
The BBC presenter had opened the midweek Premier League highlights programme as normal, introducing Bournemouth’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Tottenham and later guiding viewers into Manchester City’s 1–1 draw with Brighton, before an unexpected change in the studio saw Mark Chapman take over presenting duties.
The switch occurred when cameras returned from the Etihad Stadium highlights, with Chapman stepping in moments after completing his BBC Radio commitments. He informed viewers that Logan had been called away due to a family emergency and would not be able to continue the programme.
Earlier in the broadcast, Logan had also paid tribute to Tottenham legend Martin Chivers following confirmation of his passing at the age of 80, marking an emotionally heavy evening tied closely to English football history.
Logan had been presenting alongside former Liverpool players Stephen Warnock and Danny Murphy as Match of the Day worked through a packed Premier League schedule, making her sudden departure all the more unexpected for viewers.
It was later confirmed that Logan had left following the death of her father, Terry Yorath, a respected figure in British football both as a player and manager. In a family statement released on Wednesday, his children described him as a quiet, kind and gentle man, adding that while their hearts were broken, they found comfort in knowing he would be reunited with their brother Daniel.
Born in Cardiff, Yorath was a key part of Don Revie’s iconic Leeds United side that lifted the First Division title in 1974. His club career also included spells with Coventry City, Tottenham, Vancouver Whitecaps and Bradford City, while he earned 59 caps for Wales during an accomplished international career.
After retiring from playing, Yorath moved into management, taking charge of Wales and later holding roles with Swansea City, Cardiff City, Bradford City, Sheffield Wednesday and the Lebanon national team, cementing his reputation as a respected football figure across multiple generations.
Logan has been sharing Match of the Day presenting duties this season with Chapman and Kelly Cates, following Gary Lineker’s departure from the BBC after a 25-year association with the flagship highlights programme.
The immediate focus now turns to supporting Logan and her family, while the football world reflects on the passing of a man whose influence stretched from Leeds’ golden era to the international stage.