Jeff Stelling

Jeff Stelling is a highly respected British television presenter best known for his work on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday and Countdown. Born on 18 March 1955 in Hartlepool, United Kingdom, Stelling began his career as a journalist before moving onto presenting after securing a job with the television station Middlesbrough FC Television.

Stelling’s career in sports broadcasting began to take off in the early 1990s when he became the presenter for Yorkshire Television’s regional soccer show, Football Yorkshire. It wasn’t long before his on-screen flair and quick wit caught the attention of Sky Sports and he was invited to become the anchor for their hit show Soccer Saturday. For over 20 years, Stelling has been the face of Soccer Saturday, providing live coverage, analysis, and humorous commentary on the latest soccer matches.

Stelling’s talent and passion for broadcasting go beyond just sports. In 2009, he became the presenter of long-running game show Countdown, replacing the dearly missed Richard Whiteley. He remained with the program for almost a decade before stepping down in 2019. Throughout his time on the show, Stelling was praised for his natural charisma, enthusiasm, and ability to engage with both guests and audiences alike.

Beyond his television work, Stelling is also a dedicated football supporter, having worked as a director for his beloved Hartlepool United FC. His dedication to the game was recognized by the industry, as he was awarded the Football League Trust Outstanding Contribution to League Football Award in 2016.

Despite his many accomplishments in broadcasting, Stelling is also known for his incredible charity work. He has completed a number of high-profile fundraising efforts, including several marathon walks, for various organizations such as Prostate Cancer UK. For his extraordinary efforts, Stelling was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Professional Studies by the University of Teesside in 2016.

Even as he approaches his 70s, Stelling continues to innovate and excel, earning him a place as one of the most beloved and respected figures in British broadcasting.