Gabby Logan pays emotional tribute to football legend father

The BBC host, who fronts the corporation’s Six Nations coverage and is married to former Scotland star Kenny Logan, disappeared from the show after only 20 minutes due to what was initially described as a “family emergency”.

Mark Chapman was hurriedly drafted in from his BBC Radio 5 Live duties to take over hosting responsibilities.

Addressing viewers live on air, Chapman said:
“Sadly Gabby has got a family emergency that she had to rush off and deal with. She’s gone to do that and I’ve come from the radio to finish the show.”

No further details were shared at the time, prompting an outpouring of concern from viewers on social media.

This morning, the tragic reason behind Gabby’s sudden departure was confirmed.

In a joint statement released alongside her siblings, Louise and Jordan, it was revealed that their father, Welsh football legend Terry Yorath, has died aged 75 following a short illness.

Speaking on behalf of the family, his children said:
“To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.”

The statement also referenced a long-standing family tragedy. Gabby’s brother Daniel died suddenly in 1992 at just 15 years old after collapsing while playing football with his father. The cause was later confirmed as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an undiagnosed heart condition.

The football and broadcasting worlds have since rallied around Gabby and her family following the devastating news.

Rugby runs in Reuben’s veins. After rising through Wasps Academy, he signed with Northampton Saints in 2023, impressing with his back-row skills before joining Sale Sharks this summer.

Eligible for Wales through his grandfather, former Wales football manager Terry Yorath, Reuben chose to follow in his dad’s footsteps — representing Scotland. He’s featured for Scotland U20s in the Six Nations and gained key experience with Bedford Blues.

The Logan rugby legacy couldn’t be in better hands.

While Reuben dominates the pitch, Lois is making her mark in the showjumping arena. A 2021 qualifier for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show, she’s competed at major events like the Andalucía Sunshine Tour.

And she’s not just riding high — Lois is also studying Geography at the University of Loughborough, balancing elite sport with academics like a true all-rounder.

Representing Great Britain, her talent and determination are rapidly establishing her as a name to watch in equestrian sport.

She even competed in an amateur horse race at Glorious Goodwood earlier this year.

Ms Logan, who was unplaced on Spirit of Ecstasy, told the BBC: "It was over so quickly and such a thrill. The horse was incredible and put up such a fight against strong opposition."

Her mother, Gabby Logan, added: "It is over so quick and like being a sprinter. But all those 4:40am starts and the months of physical training have been worth it.

"It is such a different style of riding to what she has grown up doing. She has loved it."