Kirsty Gallacher Opens Up About Love and Life as a Single Parent
TV host Kirsty Gallacher has shared her journey of love and happiness with her new boyfriend, Darren Clayton, in an exclusive interview. The 48-year-old television personality revealed that she is “really happy” after meeting the 38-year-old former rugby player and businessman last autumn, thanks to mutual friends, Gabby and Kenny Logan, who are both well-known sports broadcasters.
A New Beginning
In her candid discussion, Gallacher explained how she and Darren bonded over shared experiences as single parents. “We both had similar stories — we are single parents and love playing golf,” she shared. Gallacher, who has two sons from her previous marriage to Paul Sampson, expressed how their relationship has blossomed, stating, “He looks after me and tells me to have time off, as I can be a workaholic.” This balance is vital for Gallacher, who has been juggling her career and family life since her split from Sampson in 2015.
The couple recently played golf with Gabby and Kenny Logan, highlighting the supportive network they have built. “Gabby and Kenny obviously love him,” she added, emphasizing the importance of friendship in their relationship.
Finding Time for Each Other
Kirsty’s busy schedule often sees her running around with her sons, Oscar and Jude, attending their sports events. However, Darren encourages her to take breaks, especially on Saturdays when she hosts her radio show. “It just works really well between us,” she noted, with her boys also warming up to Darren, who has a lovely little girl of his own. The family dynamic appears to be thriving, with Gallacher describing their relationship as “very content.”
The couple initially crossed paths at a fundraising event for the late rugby player Doddie Weir, who passed away in 2022 from motor neurone disease. Gallacher participated in an Edinburgh-to-France endurance challenge, where she met Darren. “We got talking and went on a date the week after we came back from Paris. It’s been very natural,” she recalled, reflecting on their connection.
Embracing Privacy and Sharing Joy
Despite their happiness, Gallacher and Darren have chosen to keep their relationship private until recently. “We’ve been very private for nearly a year, and no one’s known,” she said. However, this summer, she felt compelled to share a glimpse of their relationship on social media, posting a picture of them together on Instagram. “It just felt right,” she explained, indicating her desire to celebrate their bond publicly.
Gallacher has a deep-rooted passion for golf, inherited from her father, Bernard Gallacher, who captained the European Ryder Cup team in the 1990s. The couple has enjoyed romantic getaways in Devon, where Darren’s parents live. “We first went at Christmas and spent New Year’s there. We did lots of walking and going to cosy pubs,” she said, describing the warmth and comfort of those moments together.
Navigating Past Challenges
Before meeting Darren, Kirsty was linked to several high-profile individuals, including former boxing champion Johnny Nelson and actor Laurence Fox. She candidly discussed her difficult split from her ex-husband in Gabby Logan's podcast, revealing the emotional toll it took on her. “It was more than exhausting, emotionally, physically. I had a breakdown. I didn’t cope very well after that. I just kept going for so long,” she admitted.
Her resilience has become a defining feature of her journey. Having left her hosting job at GB News in 2021 due to health issues related to tinnitus, Kirsty now directs her energy into her Saturday show on Smooth Radio. Based in Surrey, she has always embraced an active lifestyle, engaging in various sports with her family during her free time.
A Passion for Fitness and Family
Kirsty shared her love for physical activity, emphasizing that it is essential for her well-being. “When we were in Cornwall and Devon in the summer, we were all surfing, paddle boarding, and going on boats as much as possible,” she said. Golf continues to play a significant role in her life, as she and Darren regularly include her sons in their golfing outings. She joked about her youngest son potentially following in her father's footsteps, expressing hope that he might pursue a career in golf.
The family also enjoys paddleball, and Kirsty often plays with Gabby Logan. “We’re a very active family, and it’s wonderful that both my children are sporty,” she said. The physical activity serves as a source of energy for her, helping to release serotonin and endorphins, which she believes are crucial for her mental health.
A Love for Animals and Future Aspirations
In addition to her love for sports, Kirsty is passionate about animals and has expressed a desire to host a wildlife documentary alongside her sports work. She shared insights about her pets, including Theo, her tortoise, and Bertie, her French bulldog, as well as a rescue cocker spaniel named Frank, whom she adopted from Battersea Dogs Home. Kirsty actively supports the charity, demonstrating her commitment to animal welfare.
“I do a lot with that charity,” she mentioned, highlighting her dedication to giving back. As she looks forward to the future, Kirsty Gallacher continues to embrace her multifaceted life—balancing love, family, fitness, and her passion for animals while navigating the joys and challenges of being a single parent. With Darren by her side, she is excited about what lies ahead.
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