Laura Woods Returns to talkSPORT for Special Budapest Broadcast Ahead of Arsenal's Champions League Final

Laura Woods will broadcast live from Budapest on Friday morning for a one-off return to talkSPORT, reuniting with former co-host Ally McCoist three years after her departure. The special appearance comes as her club Arsenal prepares to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday evening.

The Return

Woods, who departed talkSPORT in June 2023 after six years at the station, will rejoin the breakfast show at 6am on Friday from the Hungarian capital. The reunion marks her first return to the radio station since her tearful goodbye to listeners three years ago. During her final broadcast, Woods expressed deep gratitude to the talkSPORT audience, describing the station as her professional home and highlighting three years as host with record listening figures and multiple awards.

Alongside Ally McCoist, Woods will provide live commentary and analysis ahead of Arsenal's Champions League final appearance. The broadcaster's partnership with TNT Sports, where Woods now works as lead anchor for Premier League and Champions League coverage, facilitated the special arrangement.

Arsenal's Historic Opportunity

Arsenal are competing in their first Champions League final since 2006, when they lost 1-0 to Barcelona. The Gunners have already achieved one major milestone this season by winning the Premier League title, ending a 22-year drought. Should they defeat PSG, they would secure the league and Champions League double—an achievement that has eluded Arsenal throughout their entire history.

Only three clubs have previously accomplished this feat: Liverpool in 1977 and 1984, Manchester United in 1999 and 2008, and Manchester City in 2023. Arsenal's defensive record this season is exceptional, with just six goals conceded across 14 Champions League matches and zero goals allowed from open play during the knockout stage. They remain the tournament's only unbeaten team, with 11 wins and three draws.

A Personal Milestone

For Woods, the final holds significant personal meaning as a lifelong Arsenal supporter. Following the club's Premier League triumph earlier this season, she posted photographs spanning her years supporting the north London side on social media, writing simply: "It's always been Arsenal." The Champions League final represents an opportunity to celebrate what would be an unprecedented double for the club.