BBC Morning Live star bursts with pride after husband lands new Cardiff City job

Wales Online

4 hours ago

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TV and radio star Sarah-Jane Crawford has said she is "so proud" after her husband Brian Barry-Murphy was appointed the new head coach of Cardiff City.
After weeks of speculation and a protracted recruitment process, the Irishman was finally unveiled as the man tasked with leading Cardiff's League One campaign next season, leaving his role as first-team coach at Leicester City in the process.
Of course, such a move can be a real upheaval for a family, particularly one which is settled in Altrincham, three-and-a-half hours away from the Welsh capital. It would not have been an easy decision for Barry-Murphy and his family, however BBC Morning Live presenter Crawford's two-word response to the news on social media points to her excitement over her husband's new opportunity.
On Instagram, Chloe Bamba, wife of the late, great, Sol, of course, tagged Crawford in a post about Barry-Murphy, stating: "SJ [Sarah-Jane] is a Bluebird!"
To which Crawford replied: "So proud !!!"
It is arguable that Crawford is more famous than her former Manchester City and Leicester coach husband, with whom she shares two daughters. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community
Her media career began in October 2008 on BBC Radio 1Xtra, where she initially covered various shows.
By April 2009 she hosted her own weekend breakfast slot, later progressing to weekend and weekday afternoons, launching the station's first book club and guest-hosting Radio 1's Surgery alongside Aled Jones. In October 2015, she bid farewell to 1Xtra to pursue opportunities in Los Angeles.
In June 2018, Sarah‑Jane returned to UK radio by joining Hits Radio. She initially hosted weekday evenings before taking over the high-profile afternoon slot and the UK Chart Show. She remains a host on the station to this day.
Parallel to her radio career, she built an impressive career in television. She began as a roving reporter for E4's T4 and MTV, covering major events such as the EMAs, The Xtra Factor on ITV2, and hosting the MOBO Awards and World's Strongest Man on Channel 5.
She has also presented on E! Network, BBC, Channel 4, Disney Channel and ITV, including red‑carpet coverage of the Royal Wedding and BAFTAs.
The 41-year-old is currently a regular face presenting VTs and hosting items for BBC One's Morning Live and Sunday Morning Live.
Crawford transitioned to a vegan lifestyle in 2015, inspired initially by Beyoncé's 21-day challenge and educated further by influencer JME.
This shift inspired her to launch Viappi in 2017, a vegan restaurant-finding and recipe app aimed at encouraging plant-based eating. She also frequently records voiceovers for brands like Nintendo and Max Factor hellomagazine.com. She has also founded her own company, Clean Curls, which produces hair products.
An advocate for body positivity and clean living, she collaborates with charities such as Teens Unite, the Environmental Justice Foundation, and campaigns focused on climate refugees.
Barry-Murphy's wife isn't the only famous face in his family – far from it, in fact. Indeed, in Ireland, his father is sporting royalty.
A dual-code icon for Cork, Jimmy Barry-Murphy helped deliver six All-Ireland titles as a player across both Gaelic football and hurling. A remarkable seven-time All-Star—five in hurling and two in football—his influence on the game extended well beyond his playing days.
In 1995, he managed Cork's hurlers to Liam MacCarthy Cup success, returning for a second spell in charge from 2011 to 2015. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.
His legacy was brought back into the spotlight in 2022 when Roy Keane, appearing on Monday Night Football, named Barry-Murphy Snr. as his greatest sporting hero—leaving the Sky Sports panel momentarily lost for words.
"Growing up in Ireland, the GAA was a big part of my life," said Keane. "Hurling—watching Jimmy Barry-Murphy playing for Cork—you know, brilliant sportsman."
Speaking to the Irish Examiner after Keane's comments, Barry-Murphy, 70, admitted he was taken aback by the praise from one of Ireland's most formidable footballers.
"It was very, very special. I was delighted actually," he said. "I was shocked—for somebody like Roy, who I have great admiration for, and he's probably our greatest ever sportsman to come out of Cork.
"Himself and Denis Irwin were extraordinary. Denis is a Barrs man, of course, so I have to give him a mention. But Roy—it was a lovely thing to say and I really appreciate it, I must say."