Chris Hollins is a well-known British television presenter, journalist, and former sportsman. He rose to fame as a sports presenter on BBC Breakfast and later gained widespread recognition as the winner of Strictly Come Dancing in 2009. Over the years, Chris has expanded his career to include various TV roles, including co-presenting Secret Britain and hosting Golf’s Greatest Holes. With a background in both sports and journalism, Chris has become a household name in the UK, known for his versatility on screen.
Chris Hollins Early Life and Family Background
Born on March 20, 1971, in Bromley, London, Chris Hollins hails from a family with strong ties to the world of sports. His father, John Hollins, was a professional footballer who played for notable clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, and QPR. This sporting legacy was influential in Chris’s upbringing. From an early age, he showed interest in sports, especially football and cricket.
Chris attended Bickley Park School and later Tonbridge School. His academic journey continued at Durham University, where he pursued a degree in History. He also attended Keble College, Oxford, where he played first-class cricket and earned a “Blue” for his athletic achievements. His family background and academic pursuits laid the foundation for his later career in broadcasting.
Chris Hollins Career Beginnings
Chris began his career in sports journalism, working for Sky Sports in the early 1990s. His experience in sports broadcasting helped him gain a strong foothold in the industry. He later moved to BBC News, where he became known for his work on programs such as Grandstand and Football Focus.
His time with the BBC helped Chris establish himself as a credible sports presenter. He became the main sports presenter for BBC Breakfast in 2005, where he continued to build his career in front of the camera. His charismatic presence and ability to engage viewers made him a favorite among audiences.
Strictly Come Dancing and National Fame
Chris’s big break came in 2009 when he joined Strictly Come Dancing. Paired with professional dancer Ola Jordan, Chris quickly became a fan favorite. His charm, dance skills, and positive attitude made him stand out, and he ultimately won the competition. What set Chris apart from other contestants was that he and Ola never appeared in a dance-off throughout the entire competition. Their consistent performances and chemistry on the dance floor earned them the coveted Strictly Come Dancing trophy.
Winning Strictly not only boosted Chris’s profile but also helped him transition into a wider range of television presenting roles. His victory on the show allowed him to reach a broader audience, moving beyond his established reputation as a sports presenter.
Television Roles and Achievements
After winning Strictly, Chris continued to expand his presence on television. He became the host of several popular UK TV shows:
- Watchdog (2010–2015): Chris co-presented this BBC One consumer rights program, which focused on investigating consumer issues and holding companies accountable for their actions.
- Food Inspectors (2012–2014): In this series, Chris worked alongside Matt Allwright to investigate food safety issues and conduct consumer tests on various food products.
- Secret Britain (2016–present): Chris co-presented this nature and travel series alongside Ellie Harrison and Denise Lewis. The show explored the hidden gems of the UK’s countryside, showcasing beautiful landscapes and unique locations. Chris’s love for the outdoors and his engaging presenting style made him a perfect fit for the show.
- Golf’s Greatest Holes (2021–present): This recent venture saw Chris take on a new challenge as the host of this golf travel series. In this show, Chris visits some of the most famous golf courses around the world, exploring their history and beauty while also playing a round of golf. His passion for golf, combined with his presenting experience, has made him a standout host in this genre.
Chris Hollins Personal Life and Family
Chris’s personal life is just as intriguing as his professional career. He married Sarah Alexander, an account director in marketing, in 2012 at Chelsea Old Church. The couple has two children and resides in Rotherfield Greys, Oxfordshire. While he is very private about his personal life, Chris occasionally shares glimpses into his family life through his social media profiles.
Chris’s father, John Hollins, a former professional footballer, remains a significant figure in his life. Growing up in a family with such a strong sporting background undoubtedly shaped Chris’s own approach to his career.
Golf and Sports Interests
In addition to his career in broadcasting, Chris has maintained a keen interest in sports. He is an avid golfer and has a golf handicap of 7. His love for the sport led him to host Golf’s Greatest Holes, a travel and golf series that takes him to the most iconic golf courses around the world. Chris’s ability to combine his love for golf with his presenting skills has made him a popular figure in the golf world.
Before becoming a television presenter, Chris also played football and cricket. His background in sports gives him a unique perspective as a presenter, allowing him to bring a level of authenticity and expertise to the shows he hosts.
Chris Hollins: What Is He Doing Now?
As of 2025, Chris continues to work on a variety of projects. He is still hosting Golf’s Greatest Holes and remains active in the world of television presenting. Chris’s versatile career path has allowed him to remain relevant in the industry, and he continues to take on new roles that challenge him as a presenter.
Though he left BBC Breakfast in 2012, Chris has made appearances on other BBC programs, including BT Sport and BBC Sport. His broad range of skills—whether it’s hosting a factual series or analyzing sports—has kept him in high demand.
Chris Hollins Net Worth
With a career spanning over two decades in broadcasting, Chris has built up an impressive net worth. While estimates vary, Chris Hollins’s net worth is believed to be between £2 million and £5 million. His income comes from various television roles, endorsements, and public speaking engagements.
Fun Facts About Chris Hollins
- Age: Chris Hollins was born on March 20, 1971, making him 54 years old as of 2025.
- Height: Chris is around 5 feet 10 inches tall, according to various sources.
- Strictly Come Dancing: Chris won Strictly Come Dancing in 2009 with partner Ola Jordan.
- Golf Handicap: Chris is a talented golfer with a handicap of 7.
- Twitter: Chris Hollins remains active on Twitter, where he shares insights into his personal and professional life.
Conclusion
Chris Hollins is a talented and versatile television presenter who has made a significant impact on both the sports and entertainment industries. From his early days as a sports journalist to winning Strictly Come Dancing and hosting Golf’s Greatest Holes, Chris has built a career that spans a variety of genres. His down-to-earth personality, combined with his passion for sports and travel, has made him a beloved figure in British television. Whether he’s presenting a consumer rights show or exploring the beauty of the British countryside, Chris Hollins continues to captivate audiences with his charm and professionalism.
As of now, Chris is enjoying a flourishing career in golf travel and television, continuing to showcase his multifaceted talents. He is also dedicated to his family and his love for sports, making him one of the most well-rounded personalities in the entertainment world today.