Football icon Chris Kamara will launch his own BBC podcast this summer to replace That Peter Crouch Podcast.
The 64-year-old announced he was leaving Sky Sports in April following 24 years of service. He became one of football's most popular broadcasters during his time at Sky, appearing on Soccer Saturday and Goals on Sunday every weekend throughout the season.
Kamara's new podcast is called "Unbelievable" - a nod to his iconic Soccer Saturday Catchphrase - and will be co-hosted by Ben Shepherd. The two are good friends and have hosted Goals on Sunday and Ninja Warrior UK together in recent years.
Kamara's new venture will fill the void left by Peter Crouch, who signed a podcast deal with Acast in March. That Peter Crouch Podcast - co-hosted by Radio presenter Chris Stark - is currently the fifth most popular podcast in the UK, according to Apple's charts.
"This is a dream transfer and I can’t wait to tell you more about my new BBC podcast later this summer," said Kamara in the BBC's official statement. "Expect top guests, unbelievable stories and plenty of laughs as Ben and I delve into the footballing world."
Kamara later tweeted: "Coming soon on BBC Sounds, myself and my big mate Ben Shepherd are together again with all the guests and more football that we had on Goals on Sunday."
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The BBC are planning on launching several new podcasts this summer to boost their specialist app - BBC Sounds. Singer Sam Smith, journalist Emily Maitlis, actor James Nesbitt and comedian Jayde Adams have also signed podcast deals with the BBC.
Jonathan Wall, the director of BBC Sounds, said: "We are delighted to welcome such an array of talent to the BBC Sounds line-up. Kammy leads a feast of footballing shows... today marks another big step change in the BBC’s ambitions in podcasting across storytelling, sport and entertainment."
Kamara announced he was leaving Sky in April, just a month after he revealed his heartbreaking battle with apraxia of speech - a condition that impacts the process of sending messages from the brain to the mouth.
"My long career at Sky Sports has never felt like work," said Kamara as the news of his exit broke. "I've spent 24 terrific years at Sky, and leave with the best of memories."
Gary Hughes, Sky Sports director of football, added: "Kammy has been a Sky Sports star. Everyone has a favourite Kammy anecdote or highlight, and the tribute we paid to him on air this afternoon really shows the special place he has in the hearts of our viewers. We've been so lucky to have him, and he will always be part of the Sky Sports football family."
Explaining his condition in March, Kamara said: "I'm not really sure about how it comes out because if I explain my Apraxia, it's like we take for granted the fact that when we think and coming through our speech, it's comfortable, it's easy, it's natural... but everyone has been so brilliant [since his revelation], so kind."
