Jeff Stelling's replacement on Sky Sports' flagship programme, Gillette Soccer Special, is to be Buckinghamshire's Simon Thomas.

A staple on the channel for over 30 years, former Countdown presenter Stelling became a national treasure for his role as anchor from 1994 until 2023.

Despite not being born-and-bred in Buckinghamshire, originally from Norfolk, the 50-year-old lives locally and had previously lived in Caversham, Reading.

A vastly-experienced journalist and presenter, first moving to Sky Sports in 2005, Thomas originally stepped down from his role with in 2018 following the death of his wife Gemma.

Taking to social media after the announcement, Thomas said: "Well here’s something I never ever expected to be saying - but next season I will be the new host of the iconic Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.

"Ever since I stepped away from Sky in 2018 to look after Ethan after we lost his Mum; rebuilding my career has not always been easy. But Sky always said the door would be open for me to come back; but this was never the door I expected to open.

"Lots of people have said I have some very big shoes to fill - but I don’t. Jeff Stelling is a one off. An absolute master of his craft. Incomparable.

"All I can be is myself, and be the best I possibly can.

"This is a huge moment for me and my family and a massive honour to be trusted with such a well loved and respected program. It also feels incredibly special to be fully coming back to the Sky Sports family, who all those years ago believed in me after leaving Blue Peter.

"I also just want to say thank you to my wonderful wife for always believing in me and my family and friends for always having my back."

Previous work for Thomas includes Blue Peter, Loose Women and LBC.