Lewis Coombes: The Award-Winning BBC South Sports Editor Behind Regional Britain’s Most Trusted Sports Journalism

Lewis Coombes is widely respected in British regional journalism for his calm authority, thoughtful storytelling, and long-standing commitment to public service broadcasting. As the Sports Editor at BBC South, he plays a central role in shaping how sport is reported and understood across southern England. Yet his story extends far beyond the newsroom, encompassing family life, personal resilience, and a deep connection to the community he serves.

Early Life and Educational Background

Lewis Coombes was educated in Southampton, where his academic path reflected both strong performance and broad interests. He completed his GCSEs at Bitterne Park Secondary School between 1994 and 1998, achieving consistently high grades. From there, he progressed to Tauntons College, studying English, Chemistry, and Biology at A-level from 1998 to 2000.

His interest in media and communication led him to the University of Brighton, where he studied Communication and Media Studies from 2001 to 2004, graduating with a 2:1 honours degree. This academic foundation provided both theoretical understanding and practical insight into media, storytelling, and audience engagement.

To further specialise, he later completed professional training in broadcast journalism at Highbury College between 2006 and 2007, earning a BJTC qualification that prepared him for the demands of modern broadcasting.

Building a Career at the BBC

Starting Out in Radio

Lewis joined the BBC in 2007, beginning his career at BBC Radio Solent. Working primarily as a Breakfast Show Producer, he developed essential skills in live broadcasting, editorial judgement, and fast-paced news environments. Radio allowed him to understand audience connection at a granular level, shaping his later on-screen presence.

Transition to Television

In 2013, he moved to BBC South Today, the regional television news programme serving Hampshire, Dorset, the Isle of Wight, and surrounding areas. During this period, he worked as a reporter, presenter, and producer, covering both news and sport.

His ability to bring clarity and humanity to sports reporting quickly became evident, and he increasingly focused on sporting coverage that connected professional competition with local communities.

Leadership at BBC South

In December 2020, he was appointed Sports Editor at BBC South. In this senior role, he oversees sports output across television, radio, and digital platforms. His responsibilities include editorial leadership, presenting, feature production, and guiding how regional sport is represented online.

Under his direction, BBC South’s sports coverage has continued to balance elite events with grassroots stories, ensuring relevance for a wide audience.

Major Sporting Events and Reporting Style

Throughout his career, Lewis Coombes has covered many of the world’s most recognisable sporting occasions. These include Wimbledon, Olympic Games events, major finals at Wembley, and the UEFA Women’s European Championship.

What distinguishes his reporting style is not spectacle alone, but context. He consistently highlights the human stories behind competition, giving equal weight to local athletes, volunteers, and fans alongside headline events.

Awards and Professional Recognition

His work has been recognised by the Royal Television Society, reflecting excellence across multiple areas of journalism. He has received awards for regional television journalism, sports presenting, and special feature reporting. These honours underline both technical skill and editorial depth, particularly in long-form storytelling.

Lewis Coombes Age and Public Profile

Lewis Coombes has not publicly shared his date of birth. Based on his education timeline, he is estimated to have been born around 1981 or 1982, placing him in his early-to-mid forties. As with many journalists, he keeps personal statistics private, allowing his work to remain the primary focus.

He is based in Southampton and remains closely connected to the region he reports on.

Lewis Coombes Family Life and Personal Values

Lewis Coombes Wife, Marriage and Partnership

He is married to Kathryn “Kate” Coombes. The couple have been together for many years and are believed to have married around 2008. Their relationship is frequently referenced with warmth and respect in family milestones, reflecting a long-term and supportive partnership.

Kathryn maintains both a personal presence and a creative identity through her artwork, balancing private life with professional expression.

Lewis Coombes Daughters

Lewis Coombes is the father of two daughters, Eleanor and Edith. He has spoken openly about the pride he feels in their achievements and character.

Eleanor, born around 2011, has been recognised for her academic success, including awards for outstanding achievement in science. Edith, born around 2013, faced a significant medical journey after being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2018. Her treatment lasted several years, and Lewis later shared the positive news that her hospital care had concluded, marking an emotional milestone for the family.

His willingness to speak publicly about this experience has helped raise awareness around childhood cancer and highlighted the importance of NHS and charity support.

Lewis Coombes Father

Lewis Coombes’s father is Kevin Coombes, a private individual whose personal and professional details have not been publicly disclosed elsewhere.

Lewis Coombes Brother

Lewis Coombes has a close relationship with his brother, Tyler Coombes, whom he has described as both a sibling and best friend. Tyler is also a husband and father, and the bond between them is evident in family messages and celebrations.

While Lewis has confirmed the presence of both parents, he has chosen not to publicly identify them by name. This approach reflects a clear boundary between public life and private family matters.

Charity Work and Community Involvement

Beyond journalism, Lewis Coombes is actively involved in charitable fundraising. He has taken part in demanding physical challenges such as marathons, endurance walks, and long-distance cycling events to raise money for causes close to his heart, particularly those supporting children with cancer and their families.

He is also involved in youth football, coaching and supporting young players, including his own daughters. This grassroots involvement mirrors his professional commitment to community-focused storytelling.

Social Media and Public Communication

Lewis Coombes maintains a professional presence on social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram. His posts typically reflect his work in sports journalism, family milestones, community involvement, and occasional cultural interests such as music and live events.

His online voice is measured and authentic, aligning closely with his broadcast persona.

Why His Work Matters

In an era of fast-moving news and digital noise, Lewis Coombes represents the enduring value of regional journalism. His career demonstrates how sports reporting can inform, unite, and reflect society without losing credibility or depth.

By combining professional excellence with empathy and personal integrity, he has become a trusted figure for audiences who value accuracy, context, and humanity in media.

Quick Info

Conclusion

Lewis Coombes is more than a sports editor. He is a journalist shaped by experience, family, and resilience, whose work continues to strengthen regional broadcasting in the UK. Through his leadership at BBC South, his dedication to storytelling, and his openness about life beyond the newsroom, he exemplifies what modern public service journalism can and should be.

FAQs

1. Who is Lewis Coombes?

Lewis Coombes is a British broadcast journalist and the Sports Editor at BBC South. He has worked at the BBC since 2007 and is known for his coverage of regional and national sporting events across television, radio, and digital platforms.

2. How old is Lewis Coombes?

Lewis Coombes has not publicly disclosed his exact age. Based on his education timeline, he is estimated to be in his early-to-mid 40s as of 2025. This estimate is derived from publicly available academic and career milestones rather than an official statement.

3. What is Lewis Coombes’s role at the BBC?

He currently serves as Sports Editor at BBC South, where he leads sports coverage across TV, radio, and online output. His responsibilities include editorial oversight, presenting, feature production, and shaping digital sports content for regional audiences.

4. Is Lewis Coombes married?

Yes. Lewis Coombes is married to Kathryn “Kate” Coombes. The couple have been married since around 2008 and share a long-standing partnership. They have two daughters, Eleanor and Edith, and live in Southampton, England.

5. Who is in Lewis Coombes’s family?

Lewis Coombes is married to Kathryn “Kate” Coombes. The couple have two daughters, Eleanor and Edith. He also has a brother, Tyler Coombes. His father is Kevin Coombes, while details about his mother have not been publicly disclosed.

6. Is Lewis Coombes active on social media?

Yes. Lewis Coombes is active on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where he shares professional updates, sports coverage, and occasional personal milestones. His social media presence reflects a professional, balanced approach consistent with his role at the BBC.

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