**Gabby Logan Reveals Tearful Aftermath of Strictly Come Dancing Exit**
Sports broadcaster and former Welsh gymnast Gabby Logan has candidly revisited the emotional turmoil she experienced after her early departure from *Strictly Come Dancing*, sharing that she was left “crying into her sofa” in the wake of her elimination. Logan’s reflections cast light on the profound personal impact that comes with stepping onto one of Britain’s most beloved television stages, contrasting sharply with her many professional achievements.
Known to viewers for her extensive presenting roles with BBC Sport and ITV, Logan took part in the 2007 series of the hit BBC dance contest. Despite high expectations rooted in her background as an athlete, she exited the competition in 11th place—a result that drew a stark line between her career success and the vulnerabilities faced on reality television. Meanwhile, her husband, former Scottish rugby international Kenny Logan, outlasted her on the show, coming in fifth that same year.
Throughout their more than two-decade marriage, Gabby and Kenny Logan have shared many public and private triumphs. They are parents to two children, Reuben and Lois, and have often supported each other’s professional endeavours. However, Logan’s experience on *Strictly* offered a unique and unexpectedly challenging chapter in her life, as revealed in her 2022 memoir and recent interviews.
In conversation with *The Times*, Logan did not shy away from recalling the emotional aftermath of her exit, stating matter-of-factly that her tears stemmed from “being kicked out.” The presenter described feeling raw disappointment, confessing to an overwhelming sense that “people really don’t like me.” Such a strong response, she admitted, was fuelled by the contrast between her identity as a competitive sportswoman and the way that trait was received by the viewing public.
Elaborating further, Logan reflected on the different standards often applied to women, particularly those who show ambition and competitive drive. While these qualities had propelled her athletic and broadcasting careers, on *Strictly Come Dancing* they became points for criticism from some segments of the audience. Logan remarked that, in hindsight, the public perception of competitive women has evolved, citing the 2012 Olympics as a moment when determination in female athletes began to be widely celebrated—quite distinct from her experience in 2007.
The shifting landscape for women in both sport and entertainment is underscored by series history; despite the popularity of *Strictly*, only six women have claimed the winner’s trophy since the show began. The same series in which Logan competed was won by Alesha Dixon, who later found fame as a judge on *Britain’s Got Talent*. For Logan, the pains of an early exit were tempered by the collective experience of female contestants, yet the memory remains deeply personal.
Looking ahead, Gabby Logan’s career continues to break new ground. She is set to join Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman as part of a fresh presenting line-up for the iconic BBC football review programme, *Match of the Day*. Taking over as a trio from Gary Lineker—who stepped down after a remarkable 25-year tenure—Logan and her co-presenters represent a modernising shift for the fixture.
When Lineker announced his intention to move on, he stated it was “the right time” and acknowledged forthcoming changes in the show’s format under new BBC contracts. The move signals an era of transition for both the programme and the presenters at the heart of British sports broadcasting.
Fans continue to discuss these changes with anticipation, and Logan’s openness about her personal experiences only endears her further to audiences who have followed her journey on and off the screen. While reality television may have delivered heartbreak, Gabby Logan’s resilience and adaptability reaffirm her status as one of the UK’s most respected media figures.
As the curtain prepares to rise on the next season of *Match of the Day*, all eyes will be on Logan and her fellow presenters as they aim to shape the iconic show for a new chapter, with lessons learned not just from sport, but from the unpredictability of live television.