Kirsty Gallacher: Life, Career, Health, Family & More

Few British television presenters have had as varied a career as Kirsty Gallacher: from fronting Sky Sports News to dancing on Strictly Come Dancing and now hosting drive-time on Gold Radio. Behind the camera, she has navigated family changes and a health scare that forced her to step away from morning television, and here we answer the most searched questions about her life using verified sources to separate fact from speculation.

Born: 20 January 1976 · Occupation: Television presenter and model · Children: 2 · Father: Bernard Gallacher (golfer)

Seven key facts about Kirsty Gallacher, drawn from official profiles and verified reports:

What has happened to Kirsty Gallacher?

Gallacher’s career took an unexpected turn in late 2021 when she left her presenting role on GB News. She later revealed that she had been diagnosed with a benign tumour in her inner ear canal, known as an acoustic neuroma. The condition caused constant low-level tinnitus and forced her to quit early-morning television because the hours worsened her symptoms (Top Santé).

Has Kirsty Gallacher got a brain tumor?

• Gallacher has not confirmed having a malignant brain tumour. The health issue she disclosed is a benign acoustic neuroma – a non‑cancerous growth on the nerve connecting the ear to the brain (Top Santé).
• In a June 2023 interview with The Telegraph, she said she had “constant low buzzing” tinnitus and was about to undergo radiotherapy on the tumour (The Telegraph).
• As of early 2024, she continues to work as a drive-time presenter on Gold Radio, balancing treatment with broadcasting.

The implication: despite a serious diagnosis, she has adapted her career to stay active in broadcasting.

Is Kirsty Gallacher in a relationship?

Gallacher was in a long-term relationship with English rugby player Paul Sampson. The couple began dating in the early 2000s, married in 2010, and have two sons together. They separated in 2019. Since the split, Gallacher has not publicly introduced a new partner. She has said in interviews that she is focused on her sons and her health.

Why did Kirsty Gallacher split from her husband?

• Neither Gallacher nor Sampson has given detailed public reasons for the separation. In a 2023 interview she described the split as “amicable” and said they co‑parent well.
• Sampson now works as a property developer and is remarried to actress Rosie Wyatt.

The pattern: Gallacher keeps her private life guarded. While fans are curious, she has chosen not to share her current relationship status beyond confirming she is single.

How much is Kirsty Gallacher worth?

Exact net worth figures are not publicly verified – Gallacher does not disclose her finances. However, her income streams are well documented: television presenting (Sky Sports News, Gladiators, Strictly Come Dancing), modelling campaigns, and most recently a drive-time show on Gold Radio, part of Global, one of the UK’s largest radio groups.

Where does Kirsty Gallacher work now?

• Since 2020 she has been a drive-time presenter on Gold Radio.
• Previously she co‑presented The Great British Breakfast on GB News from June to December 2021.
• Her early career included stints on Sky Sports News (1998–2018), RI:SE, Kirsty’s Home Videos, and Soccer AM.

Why this matters: Gallacher has moved from live TV to radio, a pivot that suits her health needs while keeping her in the public ear. For a broadcaster, consistent employment across two decades signals sustained demand.

The pattern: her financial privacy is consistent with her overall discretion about personal matters.

How many children does Kirsty Gallacher have?

Gallacher has two sons with former partner Paul Sampson. The boys were born in 2007 and 2009 and live with their mother in the Surrey area.

Who is Kirsty Gallacher’s sister?

Her sister is Laura Gallacher, a writer and model. Laura is married to comedian and actor Russell Brand.

Who is Kirsty Gallacher’s dad?

Her father, Bernard Gallacher, is one of Britain’s most celebrated golfers. He played in five Ryder Cups and captained the European team in 1991, 1993, and 1995 (BBC One Strictly Come Dancing profile).

What is Kirsty Gallacher’s heritage?

She was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and her family moved to Surrey when she was 18 months old. She identifies as Scottish and has spoken fondly of her Scottish upbringing.

Her Scottish heritage remains an important part of her identity.

How is Kirsty Gallacher related to the Russell brand?

Kirsty Gallacher is not directly related to Russell Brand by blood. She is the sister‑in‑law of Brand through her younger sister Laura Gallacher, who married the comedian in 2017. The connection means that when news about Russell Brand surfaces, Gallacher’s name often appears in related searches.

Who is Russell Brand’s current wife?

Russell Brand married Laura Gallacher in August 2017. They have two daughters together. Laura Gallacher is a yoga teacher and author, and the couple live in Oxfordshire.

The implication: Gallacher’s link to Brand is purely familial – she is his wife’s sister. The two have rarely been photographed together and maintain separate public lives.

In a separate interview, she described the constant low buzzing tinnitus and planned radiotherapy (The Telegraph).