Kirsty Gallacher steps down from Soccer Aid role after 10 years as host amid ‘shake-up’

Soccer Aid: Kirsty Gallacher speaks to Rochelle Humes

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Former Sky Sports News presenter Kirsty Gallacher, 45, has spoken out after quitting as the host of Soccer Aid football matches, which is reportedly part of giving the event a “fresher feel.” The decision comes as Kirsty, who presents the game alongside Dermot O’Leary, 47, has presented the charity games for a decade.

I can confirm I’m stepping down

Kirsty Gallacher

In a statement, Kirsty gushed about her time presenting the charity matches, adding that it felt like the “right time” to step back.

She said: “I’ve loved every minute of my experience on Soccer Aid, it’s been fabulous to work with Dermot, such an amazing team and the amazing players that have kindly given up their time to play.

“We’ve raised an incredible amount of money over the years but I can confirm I’m stepping down – it feels like the right time after ten years and following a record breaking year in 2020 and excitingly I’ve got a new project that will prevent me from taking part.”

Kirsty continued: “I will take away many fond memories and feel personally proud that in addition to the money raised from the match, myself and Rachel Riley also raised £160k for Unicef on The Chase – a charity that will always remain close to my heart.”

A source added to The Sun: “Kirsty has absolutely loved being a part of it all.”

They then claimed that Kirsty’s exit was “nothing personal”.

“Those at the top insist that not asking her back is nothing personal and is just part of a shake-up,” they said.

“For them it’s about diversifying and giving the event a fresher feel.”

Like the presenter, they too hinted at upcoming projects the host has in the works.

“Kirsty’s sad not to be taking part, of course, but she has a lot of exciting projects coming up.”

The annual match is formed of teams made up of former professional footballers and celebrities.

The charity matches have so far raised £30million for Unicef since they started in 2006.

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Soccer Aid 2020 was played behind closed doors at Manchester United FC’s Old Trafford Stadium due to coronavirus restrictions.

The match ended 1-1 after ninety minutes which led to a penalty shootout resulting in the Soccer Aid World XI FC team winning the trophy for a second year running.

Days ago, Kirsty spoke out about her decision to leave broadcaster Sky after 20 years of presenting Sky Sports News

The presenter said that juggling her work and personal life got to a point where she felt like she was going to “explode”.

She explained: “Fitness has been my main thing, looking after myself the last few years, making some bold decisions.

“A big decision was to leave Sky Sports, where I’d been comfortable for so long, I just thought I want to do different things, and it was hard to leave there.”

The presenter went on to say she was “like a whirlwind” trying to balance life as a full-time working mum.

During her time on the show, she had also gone through a divorce with ex-husband, rugby ace Paul Sampson, and competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2015.

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