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Wales Online
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gabby Logan's affair with tennis player, telling her kids and awful Alan Shearer rumours
Gabby Logan's affair with tennis player, telling her kids and awful Alan Shearer rumours Gabby Logan is one of the BBC's top presenters and will be fronting their coverage of Euro 2024 over the next month - but she has been through some very tough times Gabby Logan presenting for Amazon Prime alongside Alan Shearer (Image: 2023 AMA Sports Photo Agency ) Gabby Logan is the new face of Match of the Day next season, alongside Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates, as her broadcasting career continues to go from strength to strength. At 52, Logan has become more vocal on a number of topics outside of sport in recent years, openly discussing various personal challenges, including her own previous infidelity, health concerns and a devastating family loss that left her world "shattered into a million pieces" during her teenage years. The daughter of ex-Wales football manager Terry Yorath, she competed for Wales in rhythmic gymnastics at the 1990 Commonwealth Games before making it in the TV world. Here's a closer look at some lesser-known aspects of the presenter's life. Affair with tennis player Logan has been open about her personal life, including her marriage to former Scotland rugby player Kenny and her experiences raising their twin children, Reuben and Lois. Her candidness extends to her 2022 autobiography The First Half, where she discusses an affair during her time at Durham University, expressing a desire for her children to be aware of it. During a candid chat with The Times, she revealed that while at university and in a relationship with a fellow student named Ian, she began a romance with a German tennis player. She didn't shy away from discussing the infidelity in her youth, emphasising the importance of her children knowing that it's possible for people to err and grow. Article continues below "You want them to know," she professed during the interview. "You set these kinds of standards for your kids and try and give them a great example. But actually, that's not the full picture and they didn't know me before I became a better person." Her philosophy is clear: "You're allowed to make bad decisions and then you move on. I think it's how you learn from those bad decisions." On broaching the topic with Kenny, his reaction was genuine surprise as he replied: "'I didn't realise you had two boyfriends at the same time. That was a bit of a shock. It was a shock to the kids too!" The unfounded Alan Shearer rumours Despite the stability in her relationship with Kenny, unfounded allegations of another affair later emerged, linking Logan to former England footballer Alan Shearer – rumours they knew contained "not a grain of truth". Logan tackled these claims head-on in her autobiography, noting the climate of secrecy surrounding the rich and famous as they sought to keep unsavoury details under wraps. During a period of media speculation, rumours were rife about a former footballer aiming to block a story from breaking in the press. It wasn't long before Gabby Logan found her Twitter feed interrupted by a 2011 post suggesting: 'I hear this injunction concerns @gabbylogan who is having an affair with Alan Shearer'. Reflecting on the incident, the television host remembered her mixture of emotions: "I laughed when I read it. Then I got angry. Then I panicked." Logan, on her way to a facial appointment, rapidly fired back a warning that implied legal action: "I think you should be careful what you write on here. The publishing laws apply and you are guilty of defamation of character with that." Despite her efforts, Sunday newspapers such as The News Of The World still ran headlines like 'TV's Gabby Logan denies affair with Alan Shearer', something Logan dismissed as utterly baseless. She clarified the nature of their relationship, indicating that during the 2010 World Cup, while Shearer was stationed in Cape Town, she was primarily situated in Rustenburg covering the England team. Family tragedy One of the most heart-wrenching chapters in Logan's life involves her family. Tragically, in 1992, her 15 year old brother Daniel passed away from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy while playing football in their garden with their father. The TV presenter recounted the distressing loss of their brother with a poignant admission, stating: "a sledgehammer [that] shattered the family into a million pieces," before revealing: "We had no warning. He had a congenital heart defect which meant that from the outside and ostensibly his fitness was just beyond you know. He was in the top 0.00 per cent. His heart was enlarged and basically was about to give way and pack up on him but there were no signs at all. "He was never breathless. When he did die, he died in the garden playing football with my dad. He was just kicking the ball about and keeled over. It was absolutely cataclysmic. It defined the rest of our youth and has defined how the family has gone on from those years and it leaves its mark in many ways. It was a really hard time for everybody and to this day the ramifications are still there." Logan, only 19 years old when faced with this tragedy, attributes her capacity to navigate through this profound grief as a motivating force behind her career achievements. "When my brother died, I definitely had a sense that I had to have a purpose," she conveyed. "And so I didn't know what that purpose was, but I felt like I had to have purpose in what I did, which goes back to dynamism, I guess." The tragedy involving her father, who had managerial stints with Swansea and Cardiff City, led to a descent into alcoholism after he nearly faced imprisonment for hitting a woman while driving at three times the legal limit in 2004. He attributed his "stupidity" to deep personal loss, with his excessive drinking ultimately causing the end of his 33-year marriage to his childhood sweetheart Christine. "I enjoyed being with Daniel and it was mutual. He was the light of my life," he reflected on the bond with Daniel. "At first I thought I could control my own grief. I didn't want to share it with anyone. I didn't want to communicate, even at home. I would wrap myself in silence. Christine tried to get through to me but I am stubborn. You just want to close your eyes and your ears and follow your nose." Questioning his own courage, he said: "Maybe I am not brave enough to go to counselling in case it hurts more. And I think I don't really want to leave my grief behind, even though it doesn't do my life any good. The picture I have in my mind of Daniel falling torments me, but just before he fell was the last time I saw him alive." Health anxieties In a candid revelation last year, Logan discussed her health anxieties, particularly those related to menopause and its effect on her broadcasting profession. Aged 51, she spoke openly about her fears of forgetfulness, which could have threatened her career due to potential difficulties with recalling names. Struggling with symptoms of brain fog, Logan shared her recent positive experience with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Logan mentioned she engages in regular brain exercises to maintain focus and has tailored her working methods to alleviate anxiety, always keeping a piece of paper on hand during filming for jotting down important details. She expressed her previous uncertainty: "Feeling slightly unsure about things was such an unfamiliar feeling – and I thought, 'Oh, God, am I going to keep doing my job if I can't recall somebody's name?'," Logan remarked. "Fortunately, HRT has been great and I try to do regular exercise for my brain now, whether that's testing myself on remembering numbers or people's names." The couple faced adversity in 2023 when Kenny, the former Scotland footballer, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He has since been declared cancer-free, but the initial delivery of the news via Zoom was overwhelming, leaving him weeping in his wife's embrace. Reflecting on the moment of diagnosis, he shared with the Mirror: "Gabby was in the room. She was behind the screen getting ready for another meeting. We were so not prepared. But when we both heard those words... that I had prostate cancer, she stopped what she was doing, and we just looked at each other." He continued with his concerns following the diagnosis: "So many things went through my mind. I thought, how can this happen? I'm an ex-sportsman. I've looked after my body. I had no symptoms. I asked the consultant whether I was eating the wrong foods and whether my diet was to blame. He said no, it was just one of those things." Kenny then recounted the emotional aftermath: "As soon as I turned off the Zoom call, I burst into tears. My wife and I held each other, and we cried." Article continues below Kenny emphasised that consenting to regular PSA tests was the decisive factor in saving his life, as the consultant pointed out that they had detected the cancer at an early enough stage to control it. "The check-ups saved my life because the cancer was detected before it had a chance to spread," he said. "Otherwise, I would have waited until I had a reason to see the doctor, and then it would have been too late."
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'I'm truly gutted' - Sam Vokes on leaving Wycombe Wanderers
Wycombe Wanderers striker Sam Vokes has revealed he is 'gutted' to be leaving the club this summer. The 35-year-old was informed on May 20 that his contract with the Adams Park side would not be renewed, making him a free agent come June 30. He joined the Chairboys in the summer of 2021 from Stoke City and scored 30 goals in 144 games. However, he was limited to just nine outings in all competitions this season after suffering an injury in August. Following his recovery in February, he would only play four more times. His final appearance in the light and dark blue quarters saw Vokes come on as an 83rd-minute substitute for Luke Leahy in the club's 3-1 home defeat against Stockport County on May 3. However, he was taken off just seconds later after sustaining a broken arm, which was later operated on. In a statement released via his agent, the ex-Wales international said: 'After finding out this morning [May 20] I'll be leaving this special club after four years, I can only say I'm truly gutted. 'I'd always heard about the great culture and good people at the club, so to be brought in by Gareth Ainsworth and to be part of that group and getting to know the players and staff has been an absolute pleasure. 'While we've come very close a few times (narrowly missing out in the recent play-offs), it's amazing to create and be part of some truly special moments.' The fan favourite mentioned how he had numerous 'fond memories' which have been created since 2021, with one being the 2022 play-off semi-final first leg 2-0 victory against Milton Keynes at Adams Park. The forward scored Wycombe's second goal with a trademark header from a Garath McCleary cross, with his strike effectively securing the Chairboys' place in that year's final, which they lost to Sunderland. In his message, he thanked the support shown by the club's fans, as well as his previous managers in Ainsworth and Matt Bloomfield, and current head coach, Mike Dodds. Vokes, earlier this year, acted as an interim coach behind Sam Grace following Bloomfield's departure to Luton Town. He added: "I'm disappointed not to have been able to chip in a bit more on the pitch this year. 'I picked up an injury in the first half of the season and then broke my arm a few weeks ago against Stockport, which is frustrating when I know I still have more to offer on the pitch. 'However, the injuries have allowed me to help the club in another capacity from the dugout, with Sam Grace as interim and now Mike Dodds. 'That's been an honour and a huge and important learning curve.' He concluded: 'I know this club has changed a lot over my four years, but I hope that the culture, work ethic and core values remain and I wish the club every success going forward.'
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Welsh rugby player 'blacklisted' from Wales team after coach confronted him over anonymous feedback
Welsh rugby player 'blacklisted' from Wales team after coach confronted him over anonymous feedback 'I won't be filling out any more anonymous forms, that's for sure,' said Lewis Jones. After being told his feedback would be anonymous, the former Cardiff star (left) was presented with his scathing thoughts by a member of the club the following season. (Image: © Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Lewis Jones says he thought he was "blacklisted" from Wales under-20s after being confronted over feedback he gave following a disastrous World Cup campaign. The former Cardiff Rugby scrum-half, 32, recently appeared as a guest on the Sportin Wales podcast with ex-Wales internationals Alex Cuthbert and Lloyd Williams. Of course, all three of those players once represented Cardiff together. Cuthbert was reading out viewer questions and asked Jones: "Why did Lewis get kicked out of the under-20s?" "I wouldn't say kicked out," began Jones. "You used to have two years in the under-20s back then. So in my first year we went to the World Cup but it was more like a stag do. It was carnage. "It was 92-0, it was quite a famous loss against Chicken's (Gareth Anscombe) New Zealand team at the time. Yes, Gareth played for New Zealand. I actually faced Gareth in a haka which was pretty funny. "Then we went on to lose against Fiji, they flew (former WRU head of rugby) Joe Lydon out I think, I'm not sure what his role was at the time, CEO of the under-20s or something like that. I personally think they were looking for a scapegoat. Article continues below "We actually had to give a feedback form in and they said it will be anonymous feedback. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. "I just put it straight up, how it was, it was a shambles, we didn't treat it like a World Cup. "I went back to the Blues (Cardiff) that year and I had a meeting with Phil Davies about being professional and stuff like that. And then he pulled out my anonymous form from the under 20s. I was like: 'How did you get that?' "He's like: 'Obviously they've given it [to me].' "So, I don't know whether they had hand-picked it out to see what I had to say. I won't be filling out any more anonymous forms, that's for sure!" Williams added: "Without chucking you under the bus, you didn't know who Joe Lydon was…" "No, it wasn't Joe, it was Roger Lewis or something," answered Jones. "So you didn't know who any of them were?," said Cuthbert. "Then again, it showed how much he introduced himself. I think it was Roger Lewis, the CEO at the time," continued Jones. "He was out there and he was sat next to our liaison officer, this Italian, Simeone. I said: 'How are you going, Simeone?' "Roger was next to him: 'Are you a liaison officer as well?' "And he was like: 'No, I'm actually the chief executive of your Union.' Oh, I've done well there!" "No wonder you were off the 20s!," said Cuthbert. "The next year I got blacklisted against that," said Jones. Jones has hung up his boots after making 120 appearances for the Blue and Blacks, as well as a stint with Dragons at the end of his career. Article continues below "Yes, I'm retired now, in the real world!," said Jones. "I'm working for Indigo. I've been with them for a year now, which I'm absolutely loving. When you're rugby players all of your life, there's this big daunting feeling about going into the real world. "I was quite scared going into it, but honestly, I've taken to it like a duck to water and I can't say enough good things about Indigo to be honest."
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Principality Stadium to undergo two-phase redevelopment with famous roof set to change beyond recognition
Wales' rugby chief wants to keep the stadium up to date with the standards of two Premier League grounds LAYING THE GROUNDWORK Principality Stadium to undergo two-phase redevelopment with famous roof set to change beyond recognition Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WALES' iconic Principality Stadium is set for a major makeover. The arena was built in 1999 but risks falling behind compared to modern stadium standards. 5 The Principality Stadium is set to be redeveloped Credit: Getty 5 Solar panels will be added to the roof to cut the cost of energy bills Credit: Alamy 5 The Principality Stadium was built in 1999 Credit: Getty 5 Wales Rugby have announced a two-phase redevelopment plan Credit: Getty 5 Wales RFU want the ground to be able to host more international events Credit: Getty Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney revealed there are plans to renovate the stadium in order to attract international events. A major change will see solar panels added to the roof to cut the cost of their "huge" energy bills and make the stadium more environmentally friendly. Tierney revealed there will be two phases to the plan as Wales Rugby seeks to improve hospitality at the ground by attracting new investment. Tierney told the Welsh Parliament: "What we have is the stadium which acts as an asset in Cardiff where we can bring lots of international events. "You can't help but realise what an iconic venue it is but it's 25 years old now and there is a real danger of it falling behind in terms of what it offers when you see the most recent example of Everton's new stadium. "There's lots of coverage around Fulham's new stadium and then you've got Ajax and the stadiums in Spain. "We are doing two phases. I agree that we need to absolutely catch up and stay ahead of the game to continue to attract world events. "Firstly I'm going out for procurement for our new partner in terms of delivering our hospitality and events there. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS "We are hoping to announce that in September of this year and our current partnership there is one of the bidders but we are looking for real world class and best in practice examples there. "So, that's phase one. Also, now we have the finances of the WRU in a much better position we are looking to secure further investment going forward in a much more strategic redevelopment of the stadium that really takes it forward over the next 25 years. Ireland legend trolls ex-Wales star while celebrating birthday covering Six Nations clash for BBC "That will be a phase two that will start to come next year and we will be working with our planners to look at that." The Principality Stadium has a capacity of 74,000 and primarily hosts the Welsh rugby team. The venue is also used for major concerts, hosting Oasis this summer.
The Irish Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Principality Stadium to undergo two-phase redevelopment with famous roof set to change beyond recognition
WALES' iconic Principality Stadium is set for a major makeover. The arena was built in 1999 but risks falling behind compared to modern stadium standards. Advertisement 5 The Principality Stadium is set to be redeveloped Credit: Getty 5 Solar panels will be added to the roof to cut the cost of energy bills Credit: Alamy 5 The Principality Stadium was built in 1999 Credit: Getty 5 Wales Rugby have announced a two-phase redevelopment plan Credit: Getty 5 Wales RFU want the ground to be able to host more international events Credit: Getty Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney revealed there are plans to renovate the stadium in order to attract international events. A major change will see solar panels added to the roof to cut the cost of their "huge" energy bills and make the stadium more environmentally friendly. Tierney revealed there will be two phases to the plan as Wales Rugby seeks to improve hospitality at the ground by attracting new investment. Tierney told the Welsh Parliament: "What we have is the stadium which acts as an asset in Cardiff where we can bring lots of international events. Advertisement READ MORE IN SPORT "You can't help but realise what an iconic venue it is but it's 25 years old now and there is a real danger of it falling behind in terms of what it offers when you see the most recent example of "There's lots of coverage around Spain . "We are doing two phases. I agree that we need to absolutely catch up and stay ahead of the game to continue to attract world events. "Firstly I'm going out for procurement for our new partner in terms of delivering our hospitality and events there. Advertisement Most read in Rugby Union BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS "We are hoping to announce that in September of this year and our current partnership there is one of the bidders but we are looking for real world class and best in practice examples there. "So, that's phase one. Also, now we have the finances of the WRU in a much better position we are looking to secure further investment going forward in a much more strategic redevelopment of the stadium that really takes it forward over the next 25 years. Ireland legend trolls ex-Wales star while celebrating birthday covering Six Nations clash for BBC "That will be a phase two that will start to come next year and we will be working with our planners to look at that." Advertisement The Principality Stadium has a capacity of 74,000 and primarily hosts the Welsh rugby team. The venue is also used for major concerts, hosting Oasis this summer.
