Jonathan Pearce

Jonathan Pearce is a British football commentator for the BBC and is also well known for commentating on all nine series of Robot Wars.

Robot Wars
Although often criticised for his sometimes overly-exuberant approach to Football commentating, Pearce's commentary was seen by many as a far better match for the more hectic Robot Wars scene. He began his 6 year run as commentator in 1998 and his enthusiasm attracted mainly positive reviews. Pearce made no secret of his excitement while commentating, and produced many priceless quotes. He was also known for occasional laughing fits, most notably in Hypno Disc's first battle against Robogeddon. Pearce's position was never in doubt and he held onto his role for all seven UK Championships as well as both series of Extreme.

Career outside Robot Wars
Known for his loud, exuberant commentaries, he has worked for both Radio Five Live and Match of the Day, as well as participating in other lower key sports programmes.

Pearce wanted to become a footballer, but his career was ended after sustaining a serious leg injury

He started his career in broadcasting at BBC Radio Bristol before becoming a Sports Editor at the age of 23. In 1987 he moved to Capital Radio and he launched Capital Gold Sport a year later.

Pearce also commentated on a few low-key Premier League games for Sky Sports during the 1992-93 season, before taking up his 5 Live and Match of the Day roles.

When Five was launched in 1997, Pearce was signed as their lead football commentator. Unlike his Robot Wars glory days that were before hi, his excitable style of commentary received criticism from some quarters. Despite these setbacks, he joined Five Live in 2002 and was part of their commentary team for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He went on to present the midweek sports programme Sport on Five from 2003 until 2005 and became a commentator for BBC television on Match of the Day in 2004.

Pearce has commentated on over 150 England internationals, five FIFA World Cups, four European Championships and over 20 FA Cup Finals. In 1998, he received heavy criticism from British tabloid The Daily Mail for his exceptionally exuberant commentary during England's 1998 World Cup qualifier against Poland, often cheering his home nation on during the game. Despite the detractors, some praised Pearce on his outstanding ability to pronounce the Polish players names.

Since joining the BBC Match of the Day team, Pearce has been the second choice commentator to the legendary John Motson for live matches, but is seen by many as the favourite to become the BBC's first choice commentator now that John Motson has stopped covering those.