Kirsty Gallacher, who first presented Sky Sports News in 1998 and returned for a second stint after leaving, said she was “kicked like a football” in the attack in cental London
Kirsty Gallacher’s A-list celebrity pals have shown support to the presenter after she was “kicked like a football” in an unprovoked attack.
The former Sky Sports host was assaulted as she walked to her car in central London on Tuesday night. She suffered extensive bruises and took to social media to raise awareness of her ordeal.
Following this, Kirsty’s friends — many of whom are also well-known celebrities — have left the presenter emotional messages of support. Paddy McGuinness, also a presenter, comedian and actor, posted on social media: “Hope you’re okay my love?” Kate Garraway, who often hosts Good Morning Britain, said: “This awful – am so sorry – very brave in sharing such an important message but hope YOU are ok.”
Kirsty, 49, told fans about her experience in an emotional video messages on social media. The mum of two, who is originally from Edinburgh, said her attacker was covered up and quickly ran after the beating.
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The harrowing post left other friends concerned, including fellow TV presenter Ben Shepherd who posted: “Kirsty so so sorry to hear this. Sending tons of love and support.” Former Sky Sports regular Bianca Westwood wrote: “So sorry this happened to you. It’s very frightening. Sending love.”
Formula One presenter Rachel Brookes replied: “So sorry to hear this Kirsty. Hope you are ok”. Tennis broadcaster Annabel Croft left a message which said: “I’m so sorry Kirsty – very traumatising and shocking – hope you’re ok.”
Gallacher began her broadcasting career with Sky Sports in the late ’90s and returned as a Sky Sports News host in 2011. That second stint lasted for seven years before she departed in 2018.
In her video last night, the broadcaster said: “Last night I was physically assaulted in the streets of central London walking from work to my car, the walk I do most nights. The streets are well lit. There were people around.
“I was walking on the pavement, and I noticed this guy, all in black, covered up, actually, just walking at me. And I’m always vigilant. And he was just walking towards me, and so I moved out of the way, and then he brushed past me.
“He turned around, and he kicked me like he was kicking a football. He kicked me in the middle of a street at about seven o’clock last night, in front of people, and I turned around and he scarpered.
“I’m still shocked now, and I have the bruises to prove I’m afraid. I can’t quite believe what happened. I was not being provocative in any way. I was just going about my business as you do. I was just walking to my car to go back home to my family.”