Simon Thomas: Life, Career, Family, Blue Peter Journey, and Personal Story
Simon Thomas is a well-known British television presenter whose career spans children’s television, mainstream broadcasting, and high-profile sports journalism. Best remembered by many as a former Blue Peter presenter, Simon Thomas later reinvented himself as a respected face of sports broadcasting on Sky Sports. Beyond television, his personal life—marked by faith, family, tragedy, and resilience—has also drawn significant public interest.
This detailed article explores who Simon Thomas is, his age, career, net worth, family background, relationships, marriages, children, and his lasting legacy in British television.
Who Is Simon Thomas?
Simon Thomas is a British television presenter and broadcaster best known for his work on the BBC’s iconic children’s programme Blue Peter and later as a presenter on Sky Sports. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a warm, articulate, and dependable presenter capable of connecting with both young audiences and adult sports fans.
Born in England, Simon Thomas developed an early interest in storytelling, communication, and performance—skills that would later define his career. His journey into television was not immediate success; rather, it was shaped by persistence, repeated auditions, and determination.
Simon Thomas Age and Early Life
Simon Thomas was born on 26 January 1973, which makes him 52 years old as of 2025.
He was born in Norfolk, England, and spent much of his childhood in a Christian household. His upbringing played a crucial role in shaping his values, outlook on life, and later his public discussions about faith and mental health.
Simon Thomas Father and Family Background
Simon Thomas’s father was an Anglican clergyman, meaning Simon grew up in a religious and structured family environment. This background exposed him early to public speaking, moral responsibility, and community life.
Simon Thomas Brothers and Sisters
Simon Thomas has two sisters, named Hannah and Rebecca. While they largely remain out of the public spotlight, Simon has occasionally spoken about the importance of family support throughout his life, especially during challenging periods.
Simon Thomas and Blue Peter
Simon Thomas Blue Peter Presenter
Simon Thomas is widely recognized as the 27th presenter of Blue Peter, one of the longest-running and most beloved children’s television programmes in the world.
He joined Blue Peter in 1999, after applying multiple times and demonstrating unwavering persistence. His selection was a turning point in his career and introduced him to a national audience.
Blue Peter Simon Thomas Journey
During his six-year tenure (1999–2005) on Blue Peter, Simon Thomas became known for his enthusiasm, courage, and willingness to take on extreme challenges. These included:
- Running marathons
- Skydiving
- Climbing mountains
- Participating in demanding charity challenges
Simon’s natural warmth and relatability made him a favourite among viewers. His time on Blue Peter laid the foundation for his future success in broadcasting.
Life After Blue Peter
After leaving Blue Peter in 2005, Simon Thomas made a significant career shift by moving into sports broadcasting. This transition surprised some viewers, but it proved to be a highly successful decision.
Sky Sports Career
Simon joined Sky Sports shortly after leaving the BBC. He began as a presenter on Sky Sports News, where his professionalism and calm on-screen presence quickly earned him respect.
Over time, he became involved in presenting live football coverage, including major league matches and studio-based analysis. Eventually, Simon Thomas became best known to sports fans as the host of Soccer Saturday, one of Sky Sports’ flagship football programmes.
His sports career marked a new chapter—one defined by authority, credibility, and journalistic integrity.
Simon Thomas Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth
Simon Thomas’s exact net worth has never been officially disclosed. However, based on his long television career, high-profile presenting roles, and broadcasting contracts, his estimated net worth is believed to be in the multi-million range.
Some online estimates suggest figures in the region of several million dollars, though these numbers are unofficial and speculative. His wealth primarily comes from:
- Television presenting salaries
- Long-term contracts with major broadcasters
- Media appearances and hosting roles
It is important to note that Simon Thomas is known more for his professional credibility than for a flashy or extravagant lifestyle.
Simon Thomas Relationships and Personal Life
Simon Thomas Wife – First Marriage
Simon Thomas was first married to Gemma Thomas, whom he wed in 2005. Their marriage was private and deeply rooted in family life.
The couple welcomed a son, Ethan, in 2009. Simon often described fatherhood as one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.
Tragic Loss
In 2017, Simon Thomas’s life changed dramatically when his wife Gemma died suddenly from acute myeloid leukaemia, just days after being diagnosed. Her death shocked the public and profoundly affected Simon and their son.
Simon later spoke openly about grief, mental health struggles, and the impact of loss, becoming a voice for men’s mental health awareness in the UK.
Simon Thomas and Derrina Jebb
Second Marriage
After several years of healing and personal reflection, Simon Thomas found love again with Derrina Jebb, a lawyer by profession.
The couple married in 2021 in a ceremony held at Norwich Cathedral, reflecting their shared Christian faith.
Who Is Derrina Jebb?
Derrina Jebb is a solicitor and the daughter of a church minister. She has largely remained private but is known for being a supportive partner and stepmother.
Simon has often spoken about how Derrina brought renewed hope, stability, and joy into his life after years of emotional hardship.
Simon Thomas Married To – Family Life Today
Simon Thomas is currently married to Derrina Jebb and lives a family-focused life away from constant media attention.
Simon Thomas Kids
Simon Thomas is a proud father of three children:
- Ethan Thomas – Son from his first marriage
- Talitha Thomas – Daughter with Derrina Jebb
- Theo Benjamin Thomas – Son with Derrina Jebb
He frequently speaks about the importance of fatherhood, emotional openness, and being present for his children.
Simon Thomas Faith and Mental Health Advocacy
One of the defining aspects of Simon Thomas’s later life has been his openness about faith and mental health. Following the death of his first wife, he experienced severe emotional distress and has since worked to break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
His Christian faith remains central to his life, and he often discusses how belief, counseling, and community support helped him through his darkest moments.
Legacy and Public Image
Simon Thomas’s journey—from Blue Peter adventurer to respected sports broadcaster and mental health advocate—has earned him widespread admiration.
He represents:
- Professional reinvention
- Emotional honesty
- Family values
- Personal resilience
His story resonates with audiences far beyond television.
Conclusion
Simon Thomas is far more than a former Blue Peter presenter. He is a broadcaster who successfully transitioned between genres, a father devoted to his children, a husband who has known both loss and renewal, and a public figure willing to speak honestly about grief, faith, and recovery.
Stories like Simon Thomas’s remind readers that behind every familiar television face is a deeply human journey—one filled with challenges, growth, and hope. Articles like this aim to bring those journeys to life, something we continue to celebrate and explore on fanzineblog, where real stories behind public figures truly matter.
