### Chris Kamara and Jeff Stelling: A Partnership Fondly Remembered, and a Catchphrase That Lives On
Chris Kamara and Jeff Stelling, once the heart and soul of Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, continue to hold a special place in the memories of football fans across the United Kingdom. The camaraderie they shared throughout their years on air was apparent to millions, with their chemistry producing both endless laughter and some unforgettably human moments.
Although both Kamara and Stelling have since stepped away from their long-standing roles at Sky Sports, their legacy remains fresh in the minds of supporters—many of whom still approach Kamara with his now iconic phrase: “Unbelievable, Jeff!” Far from tiring of the public’s affection for his catchphrase, Kamara readily admits he’s proud of its enduring popularity. “Whenever I’m out, someone will shout it to me,” he says. “They ask, ‘Aren’t you fed up with that?’ But no, I’m not. I feel honoured. How many people get to have a catchphrase that sticks with people for this long?”
Their time together was not without its mishaps—some of which became as cherished as their greatest successes. One oft-recalled story involves Stelling forgetting that West Ham United had left Upton Park for the London Stadium, a slip that Kamara, with his trademark wit, gently corrected live on air. Stelling himself has recalled this gaffe as the “lowest point” in his broadcasting career, a sentiment Kamara echoes with good humour. “Yes, that was probably his lowest,” Kamara concedes, “but we had so many laughs along the way that it never seemed to matter. If anything, those little slip-ups were part of what made it all so enjoyable.”
Reflecting on their years of partnership, Kamara points out that the enduring fondness from the public says it all. “Even now, the way people treat us out and about, you can tell those days meant something to them as well. That’s a legacy we’re both proud of.” Their rapport, filled with banter and mutual respect, set a standard for sports broadcasting that many have tried to emulate.
Both men have undergone significant changes since leaving Soccer Saturday. Kamara’s departure was influenced by his diagnosis with apraxia of speech, a neurological condition that affects his ability to coordinate the movements needed for speech. Despite this challenge, Kamara has maintained a positive outlook, continuing his involvement in football and the media wherever possible.
In 2023, Stelling also brought to a close his remarkable tenure as host, marking the end of an era for the programme and fans alike. However, to the delight of many, the pair were unexpectedly reunited during Amazon Prime Video’s coverage of Nottingham Forest versus Tottenham Hotspur over the festive season. Kamara, recalling the moment in disbelief, described how he initially thought the approach from Amazon was a joke. “They rang me up and said it was their last round of Christmas games, and they wanted me and Jeff together again. I couldn’t believe it.”
The response Kamara received at the City Ground in Nottingham was equally touching. “Forest rolled out the red carpet for me, put my face on the big screen—‘Welcome back, Kammy!’ Even gave me a ticket for the boardroom. I said to myself, if this is the last match I ever cover, I’ll be grateful. It was perfect.”
Kamara’s last previous appearance had been during a period when his speech condition was at its most challenging. The reunion with Stelling, therefore, represented not just a professional triumph but a personal milestone, offering him what he described as a “wonderful” experience to end on should it prove to be his final outing.
As British broadcasters continue to evolve, the widespread nostalgia for Kamara and Stelling’s partnership remains strong. Their story stands as a reminder of the deep connection between presenters and audiences—and how humour, humility and authenticity often make the greatest impact.
For now, both men have cemented their place in the annals of sports media, their friendship as evident off-air as it was during the heyday of Soccer Saturday. The affection with which Kamara and Stelling are treated by the public indeed speaks volumes, suggesting their influence on the sport’s culture in Britain is far from over.