Sport fans have been left bemused after learning that BBC Sport presenter Mark Chapman’s real first name is not Mark at all.
The familiar face of Match of the Day 2, Final Score and BBC Radio 5 Live is one of the most recognisable broadcasters in British sport, known for his calm authority and sharp humour.
But many viewers have only just discovered that his given first name is Andrew.
Chapman, 51, was born Andrew Mark Chapman, with “Mark” as his middle name.
Mark Chapman opts to use his middle name, rather than his first name Andrew
|PA
He has chosen to use that name throughout his professional career, following a long tradition of public figures opting for their middle names in the spotlight.
The revelation gained traction online after fans stumbled across official records and professional profiles listing him as Andrew.
The discovery sparked a wave of amused reactions across social media.
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Mark Chapman is sharing the role of Match of the Day presenter with Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates
|PA
Although such name choices are common in broadcasting, the detail has still caught many by surprise given Chapman’s long-standing presence on British television and radio.
Chapman began his career in the 1990s at BBC Radio 1, working as a sports newsreader alongside DJs including Sara Cox and Scott Mills.
He soon moved into mainstream football coverage, becoming a regular on BBC Radio 5 Live and gradually building his reputation for insight and dry humour.
In 2013, he replaced Colin Murray as the main presenter of Match of the Day 2.
Since then, he has become one of the BBC’s most trusted anchors, regularly fronting coverage of Premier League fixtures, FA Cup ties and major international tournaments.
Earlier this year, Chapman was also confirmed as part of the three-person presenting team, alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan, stepping in after Gary Lineker’s departure from Match of the Day.
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Mark Chapman has been a prominent broadcaster with the BBC for a number of years
| PADespite the recent stir over his real name, there is little sign viewers will be switching to calling him Andrew any time soon.
For most football fans, he will remain simply Mark Chapman — the broadcaster who has guided them through some of the sport’s biggest moments over the last two decades.