Chris Kamara opens up on his emotional TV return amid battle with speech apraxia

Chris Kamara has discussed his emotional return to TV broadcasting.

Kamara starred on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday for over 20 years but left the show in 2022 after being diagnosed with speech apraxia.

On Boxing Day Kamara returned to broadcasting as he provided coverage of the game between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham for Amazon Prime Video.

Kamara’s involvement saw him reunited with presenter Jeff Stelling, who he frequently worked with for Sky Sports. While working for Sky Kamara became hugely popular with viewers for his energetic personality. 

67-year-old Kamara suffers with a neurological condition which affects his speech and cognitive functions. 

He had struggled to present coverage of a game between Rotherham and Shrewsbury in 2021, which led to him taking a step back from broadcasting. 

Kamara, who suffers with speech apraxia, was reunited with former Sky colleague Jeff Stelling

During his tenure at Sky Sports Kamara became a fan favourite for his energetic personality

Kamara reflected on when he realised he had to seek help.

He told The Express: ‘After 20 plus years of being the first ever in-vision reporter at a live football match, it was with sadness when I realised that I was no longer able to do what I had always taken for granted – just be me.

‘At that time, I could hardly talk, wasn’t able to remember the players names and was slurring my words. I knew then that I had to get help.’

Kamara admitted that he ‘loved’ covering the game between Forest and Tottenham, which Forest won 1-0.

He said: ‘When my wife told me Amazon had been on the phone, I said, ‘I know I am getting under your feet, but I’m not delivering parcels!’ he joked. ‘Seriously, Andrew Hornett [Amazon’s senior coordinating producer] was on the phone asking me to work for Amazon Prime, covering the Forest v Spurs match with the unbelievable Jeff Stelling – and I loved it!

‘No anxiety, no slurring, the game was good and Nottingham Forest treated me like a returning hero. So, if that’s my last game as a reporter, what a way to go out.’

Kamara added that he won’t be able to work full time.

He said: ‘Having time off is strange, but now that my head is sorted and I’ve stopped feeling sorry for myself, I want to work.

Stelling and Kamara are close friends after years of featuring on Sky’s Soccer Saturday

Kamara took to the streets of Leeds to launch Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal 2025

‘But the reality is that I can’t produce what I did before. I am so lucky. Apart from Sky, I am being offered opportunities all the time, but most do not feel right for me at the moment – maybe they never will.’

Kamara had a lengthy playing career which saw him represent clubs including Portsmouth, Swindon, Brentford and Leeds. He also had spells as manager of Bradford and Stoke.

As well as his work on Soccer Saturday, Kamara also presented Goals on Sunday for Sky Sports.

Kamara took to the streets of Leeds to launch Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal 2025. He was spotted donning a giant daffodil hat as he laughed with locals and drummed up support in his latest role as a fundraiser for the charity. 

Kamara said: ‘Marie Curie’s work is invaluable, providing expert care and support to people, and their families, at the most difficult times in their lives. I can’t say how much my family appreciated their support when they looked after my mum.

‘Having faced my own challenges, I understand just how important it is to have the right support when you need it most. That’s why I’m urging everyone – up and down the country- to get involved – whether by donating your time or money, every bit helps Marie Curie continue their incredible work, so please give them your support if you can.’