Kirsty Gallacher is stepping down as the host of 'Soccer Aid'.
Kirsty Gallacher
The 45-year-old TV presenter has co-hosted the annual fundraiser for a decade, but she feels now is the perfect time to step away from the charity football match because the former Sky Sports presenter already has another project in the pipeline that "prevents [her] from taking part".
She explained: "I’ve loved every minute of my experience on 'Soccer Aid', it’s been fabulous to work with Dermot [O'Leary], such an amazing team and the amazing players that have kindly given up their time to play.
"We’ve raised an incredible amount of money over the years but I can confirm I’m stepping down – it feels like the right time after ten years and following a record-breaking year in 2020 and excitingly I’ve got a new project that will prevent me from taking part.
"I will take away many fond memories and feel personally proud that in addition to the money raised from the match, myself and Rachel Riley also raised £160,000 for Unicef on 'The Chase' - a charity that will always remain close to my heart."
An ITV spokeswoman has also confirmed Kirsty's departure, but revealed the broadcaster remains keen to work with her in the future.
The spokeswoman said: "Kirsty Gallacher will be stepping down from 'Soccer Aid' ahead of this year's tournament.
"Everyone at ITV and 'Soccer Aid' would like to thank her for her 10 years with the event and we hope to work with her again in the future."
'Soccer Aid' has raised £38 million for Unicef since it began in 2006.
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