Lewis Coombes – The Face of BBC South Today and a Voice of Human-Centred Sports Journalism

Who Is Lewis Coombes?

When you think of passionate, community-driven sports journalism in Southern England, one name stands out — Lewis Coombes. As the Sports Editor at BBC South, Coombes has become a familiar face and trusted voice for thousands of viewers who tune in daily to BBC South Today. Over nearly two decades in broadcasting, he has built a career defined by authenticity, empathy, and the ability to capture the human side of sport.

With over 18 years of experience in the broadcast industry, Lewis Coombes has evolved from an enthusiastic sports reporter to a multi-award-winning editor whose work inspires both audiences and fellow journalists. Known for his calm professionalism, digital creativity, and positive outlook, his motto could well be his own Twitter bio: “Cup half-full.”

Lewis Coombes BBC Career Journey

Early Beginnings: From Saints TV to BBC Radio Solent

Lewis Coombes began his media journey in 2004, working for Saints TV, where he interviewed players and management from Southampton Football Club and produced matchday content. This early exposure to professional sport helped him develop the precision and storytelling flair that would later define his BBC career.

In 2007, he joined BBC Radio Solent as a Broadcast Journalist, quickly proving his versatility by taking on roles as a Breakfast Show Producer and on-scene reporter. During his six-year tenure, he sharpened his live reporting skills, mastering the fast-paced environment of broadcast journalism.

Transition to Television: BBC South Today

By 2013, Coombes had transitioned to BBC South Today, where he reported, presented, and planned sports coverage for the regional news programme. Over time, his engaging delivery and in-depth understanding of local sports made him a key presence both on screen and behind the scenes.

From 2016 to 2020, he served as a Senior Broadcast Journalist, leading coverage that resonated deeply with regional audiences. His work didn’t just highlight wins and losses—it celebrated perseverance, teamwork, and the personal stories that connect communities through sport.

In December 2020, Coombes was appointed Sports Editor at BBC South, a role he continues to hold with distinction. He now oversees sports content across TV, radio, and digital platforms, ensuring the BBC’s regional coverage remains relevant, inclusive, and inspiring.

Professional Excellence and Recognition

RTS Award-Winning Journalist

Lewis Coombes’s excellence has been formally recognised with multiple Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards.

• 2021: RTS South Regional TV Journalist of the Year

• 2022: Sports Presenter of the Year

• 2024: Special Features Journalist Award

These accolades underscore his consistent ability to produce journalism that balances technical skill with emotional depth. Whether he’s telling a story about a young athlete overcoming adversity or a community club making a difference, his reporting always reflects empathy and integrity.

Lewis Coombes Age and Background

Although Lewis Coombes has not publicly stated his age, his education timeline provides useful clues. He completed GCSEs in 1998, A-levels in 2000, and earned his BA (Hons) in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Brighton in 2004. He later completed a BJTC-accredited Broadcast Journalism qualification at Highbury College in 2007.

From these dates, we can infer that he was likely born around 1982, making him approximately 43 years old in 2025.

Raised and educated in Southampton, Coombes’s local roots have been a defining element of his journalistic identity. His deep connection with the South of England gives his reporting authenticity and relatability that audiences instantly trust.

Lewis Coombes South Today: A Leader in Regional Sports Storytelling

Under Lewis Coombes’s editorial guidance, BBC South Today has become more than just a regional news outlet—it’s a storytelling hub that captures the beating heart of community sport. He is known for his ability to turn ordinary sporting events into emotional, human-centred stories.

His editorial style focuses on inclusivity and diversity, giving voice to stories that reflect the entire community. He has also been instrumental in modernising BBC South Today’s digital strategy—bringing sports highlights, behind-the-scenes clips, and interactive features to online audiences.

Lewis Coombes Family Life

Away from the newsroom, Lewis Coombes is open about the joy he finds in his family life. His Instagram account (@lcoombes1) proudly reads: “Sports Editor, @bbcsouthnews. Husband. Dad.”

Is Lewis Coombes Married?

Yes. He has been married to Kate (Kathryn) Coombes (@kateyes1983) since around July 2008. In a heartfelt anniversary post in 2023, he wrote, “Some journey so far… 15 years and every step by your side.”

Lewis Coombes Daughters

He is a devoted father of two daughters:

• Edith Coombes, born around 2013, celebrated her 12th birthday in March 2025.

• Eleanor Coombes, who received an Outstanding Achievement in Science award in July 2023.

His posts often feature moments of pride, humour, and affection, showing a man who values family as much as his profession.

Lewis Coombes Brother

He also shares a close bond with his brother Tyler Coombes (@tylercoombes84), frequently appearing in social-media tributes that highlight their friendship and shared love of music and sport.

Lewis Coombes Digital Presence

Lewis Coombes Twitter

On Twitter/X (@LewisCoombes), he has over 6,000 followers and describes himself as “Sports Editor, @BBCSouthNews. Cup half-full.” His posts combine professional updates, sports commentary, and glimpses of life behind the scenes at BBC South Today.

Lewis Coombes Instagram

His Instagram (@lcoombes1) offers a warmer, more personal perspective, with over 2,000 followers and nearly 2,700 posts. Here he shares family moments, travel snapshots, and celebrations with colleagues—giving fans a look at the man behind the microphone.

Lewis Coombes Wiki-Style Overview

The Essence of Lewis Coombes’s Journalism

What sets Lewis Coombes apart isn’t just his broadcasting talent—it’s his storytelling philosophy. He champions people-centred sports reporting, emphasising the emotional and social dimensions of competition. His coverage often highlights community heroes, grassroots achievements, and the universal values of resilience, teamwork, and hope.

Colleagues frequently describe him as approachable, optimistic, and deeply professional. His leadership at BBC South Today combines traditional journalism with a modern, digital-first approach—ensuring that local stories resonate on national and global levels.

So Here’s What You Should Take Away from Today…

Lewis Coombes embodies the best of British regional journalism—credible, heartfelt, and community-minded. From his early days at Saints TV to becoming the Sports Editor at BBC South, he has built a career grounded in authenticity, dedication, and connection.

A husband, father, brother, and journalist, he balances professional excellence with personal warmth. His stories remind us that sport is more than scores and statistics—it’s about people, passion, and pride.

In a media world often chasing headlines, Lewis Coombes remains a storyteller who still believes in the power of sincerity and local voices to inspire the world.

FAQs

1. Who is Lewis Coombes?

Lewis Coombes is an award-winning British journalist and the Sports Editor at BBC South, known for his work on BBC South Today and his engaging, human-centred sports storytelling.

2. How old is Lewis Coombes?

While his exact birth year isn’t public, education records suggest he was born around 1982, making him approximately 43 years old in 2025.

3. Is Lewis Coombes married?

Yes. He is married to Kate (Kathryn) Coombes, and they celebrated their 15-year anniversary in July 2023, indicating they wed in 2008.

4. Does Lewis Coombes have children?

Yes. He has two daughters, Edith (born ≈ 2013) and Eleanor, both of whom feature affectionately in his public Instagram posts.

5. Where does Lewis Coombes work?

He works for the BBC South newsroom in Southampton, overseeing sports coverage across television, radio, and digital platforms.

6. What awards has Lewis Coombes won?

He has received three Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards – Journalist of the Year (2021), Sports Presenter (2022), and Special Features Journalist (2024).

7. Where can I follow Lewis Coombes online?

You can find him on Twitter (@LewisCoombes) for professional updates and on Instagram (@lcoombes1) for personal and behind-the-scenes moments.

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