**Laura Woods Left Flabbergasted as Ruben Loftus-Cheek Nominates Her as ‘Dream Date’ Live on Air**
Laura Woods’ illustrious broadcasting career has offered her countless memorable moments, but few compare to the day footballer Ruben Loftus-Cheek caught her off guard with an unexpected choice—by naming Woods herself as his ideal date during a live radio segment. The incident, still fondly recalled by fans and the presenter alike, has since become one of the many highlights of her much-celebrated time on air.
Known for her dynamic presence on both television and radio, Woods regularly engaged her high-profile guests in playful conversations about their romantic preferences. These moments provided both a lighter touch to her sports coverage and, as it turned out, some surprising confessions from the sporting elite. One recurring feature saw Woods and co-host Ally McCoist ask famous athletes which celebrity or public figure they’d love to go on a date with.
The conversation took an unexpected turn when she posed the same question to then-Chelsea midfielder and Premier League star Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Rather than following the usual path of naming an A-list actress or musician, Loftus-Cheek coolly replied that Woods would be his dream date. The admission reportedly stunned Woods and quickly became a talking point among listeners and fans across social media platforms.
Reflecting on the interview months later, Woods admitted the moment stuck with her, describing Loftus-Cheek as one of the “best looking” players in the league. In her appearance on the ‘Staying Relevant’ podcast in 2023, she recounted the event with humour, saying: “I was like, ‘Good god.’ Ruben is probably the best-looking player in the Premier League. I didn’t mind that at all! That is the quote for my wall. It is excellent to have an association with someone who looks like he has been carved by Jesus.”
Such candid moments have contributed to Woods’ popularity far beyond the sports community. With a significant following on social media, she is often applauded for maintaining a sense of fun and approachability in her interviews, even as she tackles some of the biggest sports stories. It comes as little surprise that other high-profile athletes followed Loftus-Cheek’s lead; during another segment, former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua also chose Woods as his answer to the same question. “You. I know Loftus-Cheek has beaten me to it,” Joshua said on air, prompting laughter from Woods, who assured him, “It’s fine, there’s no competition!”
Woods’ public and professional life has been in the spotlight for more than her on-air banter; her romance with ex-Love Island contestant Adam Collard has also garnered attention. The pair announced their relationship in October 2023 and became engaged less than a year later, with Collard proposing on a picturesque beach in Cornwall. Their whirlwind romance captured public imagination, with Woods frequently sharing both challenges and joyful moments with her followers.
In January 2025, Woods gave birth to their son, Leo Ernie Collard, after navigating a demanding work schedule and international travel while pregnant. In an interview with The Times, Woods described working at the 2024 European Championships during her pregnancy, candidly sharing the difficulties of persistent morning sickness amid her broadcasting commitments. “It was constant, the morning sickness was quite difficult to battle and I was exhausted all the time. At least there were rest days when I was able to just chill out in my hotel room,” Woods revealed. She went on to explain her desire to keep her pregnancy private for as long as possible, but ultimately decided honesty was best for her health and her fans.
The ongoing blend of personal achievement and professional success has seen Laura Woods emerge as one of the most respected and recognisable faces in British sports media. Whether fielding surprise compliments from Premier League stars or balancing the demands of new motherhood with a high-profile career, Woods’ story continues to resonate with fans.
Her unique ability to mix incisive sports analysis with authentic and engaging conversation has cemented her status as a fan favourite. For many, the Loftus-Cheek revelation remains a testament to the warmth and charisma she brings to every interview.