Simon Thomas: Life, Career, Family, Net Worth, and the Story Behind the Blue Peter Star

Simon Thomas is a well-known British television presenter, broadcaster, and journalist who rose to national fame through his work on the iconic BBC children’s programme Blue Peter. Over the years, he has successfully transitioned from children’s television to mainstream sports broadcasting, becoming a familiar and trusted face on UK television. Beyond his professional achievements, Simon Thomas’s personal life—marked by profound loss, resilience, faith, and new beginnings—has also drawn public attention and admiration.

Best known as a former Blue Peter presenter and later as a leading figure on Sky Sports, Simon Thomas has built a career defined by versatility, credibility, and emotional honesty. His story is not only about television success but also about family, relationships, and personal growth.

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 moving around due to his father’s profession.

Simon Thomas Father and Family Background

Simon Thomas’s father, Andrew Thomas, was an Anglican clergyman. Because of his father’s religious vocation, the family relocated several times during Simon’s childhood. This upbringing exposed him to different communities and environments, helping shape his adaptable and grounded personality.

His mother, Gill Thomas, played a significant role in maintaining family stability despite frequent moves. Simon has often spoken about how his upbringing in a Christian household influenced his values, work ethic, and resilience during difficult periods in his life.

Simon Thomas Family: Brothers and Sisters

Simon Thomas grew up in a close-knit family. He has two sisters, named Hannah Thomas and Rebecca Thomas. Although they have largely stayed out of the public spotlight, Simon has occasionally mentioned the importance of sibling support, particularly during challenging personal times.

Family has always been a central pillar in Simon Thomas’s life, and this strong foundation would later help him navigate both professional pressures and personal tragedy.

Education and Early Career

Simon Thomas attended local schools before going on to study Broadcast Journalism. His early ambition was to work in television, and he began his career behind the scenes, working as a researcher and producer. These early roles helped him understand the mechanics of broadcasting and prepared him for on-screen presenting.

Like many aspiring presenters, Simon faced rejection early on. Notably, he applied multiple times to become a Blue Peter presenter before finally being selected—an experience that reflects his persistence and determination.

Simon Thomas and Blue Peter: The Breakthrough

Becoming a Blue Peter Presenter

Simon Thomas joined Blue Peter in 1999, becoming the 27th presenter of the long-running BBC children’s show. At the time, Blue Peter was one of the most prestigious roles in British television, especially for young presenters.

His selection marked a turning point in his career. Simon quickly became a fan favorite due to his energetic style, warmth, and willingness to take on the show’s famously demanding challenges.

Life on Blue Peter

During his six-year tenure on Blue Peter (1999–2005), Simon Thomas participated in numerous high-profile stunts and adventures, including:

• Marathon running
• Mountain climbing
• Skydiving
• Extreme physical challenges
• International travel assignments

These experiences cemented his reputation as a committed and fearless presenter. “Blue Peter Simon Thomas” became a recognizable name across UK households, especially among younger audiences and their families.

Simon left Blue Peter in 2005, having established himself as a versatile and credible broadcaster.

Career After Blue Peter

Transition to Sports Broadcasting

After leaving Blue Peter, Simon Thomas joined Sky Sports in 2005. This move marked a significant transition from children’s television to adult-focused sports journalism—a shift that many presenters struggle to achieve successfully.

At Sky Sports, Simon worked on:

• Sky Sports News
• Live football coverage
• Matchday presenting
• Studio-based analysis shows

His calm demeanor, professionalism, and genuine passion for football helped him gain respect in the competitive sports broadcasting industry.

Soccer Saturday and Later Roles

In later years, Simon Thomas became widely associated with Soccer Saturday, one of Sky Sports’ flagship programmes. Hosting such a high-profile show further solidified his standing as one of the UK’s leading sports presenters.

Simon Thomas Net Worth

Estimated Net Worth

Simon Thomas’s exact net worth has never been officially disclosed. However, based on his long career with major broadcasters such as the BBC and Sky Sports, online estimates suggest his net worth is in the range of several million dollars.

Some entertainment and biography websites estimate his net worth at around $20–25 million, though it is important to note that these figures are unofficial and speculative.

Sources of Income

His income has primarily come from:

• Television presenting salaries
• Long-term contracts with major networks
• Media appearances and hosting roles
• Speaking engagements and writing projects

Despite financial success, Simon Thomas has often emphasized that personal fulfillment and family matter more to him than wealth.

Simon Thomas Wife and Relationships

First Marriage: Simon Thomas and Gemma Thomas

Simon Thomas married Gemma Thomas in 2005, the same year he left Blue Peter. Their relationship was private but deeply affectionate, and they were considered a strong and loving couple.

The pair welcomed their son, Ethan Thomas, in 2009.

Tragic Loss

In 2017, tragedy struck when Gemma Thomas died suddenly from acute myeloid leukemia, just three days after being diagnosed. Her death shocked the public and devastated Simon and their young son.

Simon Thomas later spoke openly about the profound impact of this loss, including his struggles with grief, mental health, and identity. His honesty helped raise awareness around bereavement, cancer, and men’s mental health.

Simon Thomas and Derrina Jebb

Second Marriage

In 2021, Simon Thomas married Derrina Jebb, a solicitor and the daughter of a church minister. Their wedding took place at Norwich Cathedral, reflecting Simon’s enduring connection to faith and tradition.

Derrina Jebb has been widely credited as a supportive and grounding presence in Simon’s life, helping him rebuild happiness after years of grief.

Simon Thomas Married To: Current Family Life

Simon Thomas is currently married to Derrina Jebb, and together they have built a blended family that includes children from both his first and second marriages.

Their relationship has been marked by openness, shared values, and mutual support, particularly in navigating public life while protecting family privacy.

Simon Thomas Kids

Simon Thomas is a proud father of three children:

1. Ethan Thomas – born in 2009, from his marriage to Gemma Thomas
2. Talitha Thomas – daughter, born in 2022, with Derrina Jebb
3. Theo Benjamin Thomas – son, born in 2024, with Derrina Jebb

Simon often speaks about fatherhood as one of the most meaningful roles in his life. He has emphasized the importance of being present, emotionally available, and honest with his children.

Faith, Mental Health, and Advocacy

Simon Thomas is a committed Christian, and his faith has played a significant role in his recovery from grief. He has written and spoken extensively about:

• Mental health awareness
• Coping with loss
• The importance of community and faith
• Masculinity and emotional openness

Through interviews, books, and public speaking, Simon has become an advocate for honest conversations around mental health—particularly among men.

Public Image and Legacy

Simon Thomas is widely respected not only for his broadcasting career but also for his integrity and vulnerability. His journey from Blue Peter presenter to respected sports broadcaster, combined with his openness about personal tragedy, has made him a relatable and admired public figure.

He represents a generation of presenters who grew up on children’s television and successfully evolved into serious journalism without losing authenticity.

Why Simon Thomas’s Story Matters

Simon Thomas’s life story resonates because it combines professional success with real human struggle. He is not just a television personality but a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and emotional honesty.

For readers of platforms like infizo, his story offers inspiration—not just for aspiring broadcasters, but for anyone navigating loss, career transitions, or family challenges.

Final Thoughts

Simon Thomas continues to be an influential figure in British media. From Blue Peter adventures to live sports broadcasting, from personal tragedy to renewed family life, his journey reflects the complexities of modern public life.

As his career and family continue to grow, Simon Thomas remains a compelling example of how success, grief, faith, and hope can coexist—making his story one worth telling on platforms like infizo, where thoughtful and meaningful biographies find a home.