The BBC are on the hunt for a new Match of the Day presenter after Gary Lineker’s exit from the show was confirmed on Tuesday
The BBC is on the lookout for a new face to lead Match of the Day after confirming Gary Lineker’s departure from the beloved football programme. Lineker, who has been synonymous with the show since 1999, will continue his relationship with the BBC by presenting coverage of the FA Cup next season and the World Cup set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
However, he will step away from presenting Premier League highlights every Saturday night. The former England and Everton legend will have completed an impressive 26-year stint by the time he leaves Match of the Day.
BBC’s Director of Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, expressed gratitude for Lineker’s contributions, stating: “After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week.”
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He added: “He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.” While Lineker’s future roles are clear, the BBC will announce plans for the future of Match of the Day in due course.
Speculation is already rife about who will take over from Lineker, with Mark Chapman currently tipped as the favourite according to Oddschecker. Fondly referred to as Chappers by his peers, the 51-year-old has been at the helm of Match of the Day 2 since August 2013.
In addition to this, he’s a familiar voice on BBC Radio 5 Live where he presents their sports coverage on Saturdays and the Monday Night Club. He’s also known for presenting live coverage of the Carabao Cup on Sky Sports.
His BBC Radio 5 Live co-worker, Kelly Cates, is another contender for the esteemed role. She hosts midweek sports programmes on the BBC and provides live coverage of the Premier League on Sky Sports over the weekend.
Gabby Logan and Alex Scott are also potential successors to Lineker, having established successful broadcasting careers at the BBC. Take a look at the latest odds below.
Next Match of the Day host odds
- Mark Chapman – 6/4
- Kelly Cates – 4/1
- Gabby Logan and Alex Scott – 6/1
- Kelly Somers and Eilidh Barbour – 8/1
- Laura Woods – 10/1
- Dan Walker, Jason Mohammad and Micah Richards – 12/1
