Darren Gough Signed as Ladbrokes Latest Brand Ambassador
Ladbrokes has signed former cricketer and Strictly star Darren Gough as its new brand ambassador.
Darren Gough is “looking forward to sharing” his insights with Ladbrokes customers. © Getty Images
Key Facts:
- Ladbrokes sign former England cricketer and Strictly Come Dancing star Darren Gough as a brand ambassador.
- Former talkSPORT commentator will give insights and analysis across multiple sports.
- The deal comes during an exciting time for cricket fans, with 2025 being an Ashes and ICC Champions Trophy year.
Former England cricketer Darren Gough has joined Ladbrokes as a brand ambassador. The 54-year-old made 58 Test appearances during an international career that started in 1994 and ended in 2003.
Widely regarded as one of England’s finest fast bowlers – the second-highest wicket-taker in One-Day Internationals and ninth-most-successful wicket-taker in Test matches – Ladbrokes say the Yorkshireman will provide its customers with insights and analysis across multiple sports – including cricket, football, golf and boxing.
Gough Danced Into the Public Eye Three Times
Gough became one of the UK’s highest-profile sportsmen when he landed the third series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2005. He also won Christmas Special versions of the show later in 2005 and again in 2007.
However, it was not until 2008 that Gough retired from county cricket, spending his final year as Yorkshire’s captain. He played for the club for 15 years and returned to fulfil the position of Yorkshire’s Managing Director of Cricket in December 2021. He vacated the job in March 2024.
Before his MD appointment, Gough had spent 13 years with talkSPORT radio station – initially co-hosting its weekly drivetime show and then working as lead cricket commentator for England’s biggest International Test Matches from 2018 until 2021.
New Social Video With No Cheese
As part of the new partnership, Gough will contribute exclusive blogs, tournament predictions and social media content for Ladbrokes. It is not, however, his first trip to the proverbial rodeo.
The star, who has played in televised poker tournaments and appeared on the BBC’s A Question of Sport, is an old hand in the Ambassadorial stakes.
In 2010, Gough became a brand ambassador for Collier’s Powerful Welsh Cheddar. More recently, he fronted a Rural Sports Club Fund initiative for broadband provider Gigaclear.
To celebrate his latest role, the cricket star featured in a 30-second video that dropped on Ladbrokes’ social media channels mid-week. In the video, a chirpy Darren Gough points out his ability as a footballer, his prowess on the dance floor, and his knowledge of cricket.
If you hadn't guessed already, then we can confirm it now! 🤩
We've officially signed ex-England cricketer & Strictly Come Dancing champion, @DGoughie as our new sporting ambassador! 🔥
Keep your eyes on the feed, some dazzling content is on the way…👀 pic.twitter.com/HBKC7xCuVy
— Ladbrokes (@Ladbrokes) February 18, 2025
Exciting Times for Perfect Signing
“Darren Gough is one of the finest cricketers of his generation and is the perfect signing for Ladbrokes,” said Charlotte Emery, Chief Marketing Officer for Ladbrokes, commenting on the new deal.
“He is more than just a cricketer; he’s a sports-loving, rumba-dancing legend, known for his fast pace between the wickets and in the ballroom. We can’t wait to see him put his talents to good use as our new Ladbrokes ambassador.”
Gough added, “It’s a really exciting time for cricket fans with a busy year ahead, including the Ashes, the ICC Champions Trophy and the IPL. But I love all sport and I’m looking forward to sharing my insights with Ladbrokes customers during a year of top-class sporting action.”
Skelton Has a New Stablemate
Ladbrokes currently has a similar relationship with leading Jumps racehorse trainer Dan Skelton. The famous bookmaking brand also has exclusive content opportunities and activation rights to engage Liverpool FC supporters.
Until mid-2024, Gold Cup-winning jockey Paul Townend’s thoughts appeared on the Ladbrokes site. Respected jump jockey Noel Fehily was a Ladbrokes ambassador for the 2018-19 jump racing season. Frankie Dettori had a comparable role in 2016.
In the past, Chris Kamara – former footballer, presenter and analyst – featured in Ladbrokes advertising campaigns and snooker legends Steve Davis and Ronnie O’Sullivan donned the logo of Ladbrokes’ leading casino poker site.
