Simon Thomas has announced he will succeed Jeff Stelling as host of Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme. Former Blue Peter presenter Thomas, 50, had long been reported to be among the contenders for the role, which also included Sky presenters Caroline Barker and Julian Warren. Stelling, 68, announced in April he would be stepping down as anchor of the results show after almost 30 years and bade farewell on the final day of the Premier League season. Thomas said on social media: “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. 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.” Thomas’s first wife Gemma died in November 2017 three days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. His second wife Derrina Jebb gave birth to their daughter Talitha in October after an emergency caesarean section having developed pre-eclampsia and Thomas later spoke candidly about his experience on Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine Show. Thomas added: “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 Derrina for always believing in me and my family and friends for always having my back. See you on August 5!” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Andrew Tate asserts that the new age singers and rappers get their lyrics and music composed by others

Prime Video has released a new teaser trailer for an upcoming Australian family drama starring

The mortifying incident took place when Cuba Gooding Jr worked alongside Tom Cruise for 'Jerry McGuire'

Young Gayle King's vision for her future was clear but it did not include becoming a TV personality in the beginning

Fans left dozens of flower bouquets and handwritten letters for Matthew Perry outside the 'Friends' building

'The Purge' creator James DeMonaco has already finished writing the script for 'The Purge 6'.

'RHOP' star Ashley Darby is infected with pink eye and spending her time away from family

Dating rumours have been circulating about Johnny Depp and Jenna Ortega - and now the actors have responded by adamantly denying this. It all began when celebrity gossip account, Deuxmoi, said that the pair had been spotted on a date together, and also perhaps working together on Tim Burton's Beetlejuice 2. However, the 20-year-old Wednesday actor was quick to dispel these rumours connecting her to the 60-year-old Hollywood veteran in an Instagram Story. “This is so ridiculous I can’t even laugh," Ortega told her 40m followers. “I have never met or worked with Johnny Depp in my life. Please stop spreading lies and leave us alone.” Meanwhile, Depp's camp has also vehemently shut down these rumours too, describing how the Pirates of the Caribbean actor was "appalled" by them. His rep told NME: “Mr. Depp has no personal or professional relationship with Ms. Ortega whatsoever. He has never met her or spoken to her. “He is not involved in any project with her, nor does he intend to be. He is appalled by these baseless and malicious rumours that are intended to harm his reputation and career.” Beetlejuice 2 is set to see Ortega play the daughter of Lydia Deetz, the role famously played by Winona Ryder in the original 1988 film, while Ryder and Michael Keaton will also reprise their roles for the sequel. The film is expected to be released on September 6 2024. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Uzo Aduba is expecting her first baby with husband Robert Sweeting

'The Bachelorette' Season 20 fans say they 'wouldn’t be shocked if there is a true crime podcast about Spencer somewhere'

Tristan Tate said, 'You couldn't be a convincing transgender person without plastic surgery'