Gary Lineker's blunt three-word response when BBC offered him very different new job
Gary Lineker will present his final Match of the Day show this Sunday after being axed by the BBC, who reportedly offered him the chance to host his own cooking show
TV Presenter and ex-Leicester City player Gary Lineker
(Image: Getty Images )
Gary Lineker expressed disbelief at a BBC pitch for him to start a cooking programme following his departure from Match of the Day, saying: "Are you kidding?".
Lineker is poised to make his final appearance on Match of the Day this Sunday, following the furore that erupted over his comments on social media regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The ex-England striker was embroiled in controversy last week, facing allegations of anti-Semitism after tweeting a video critical of Zionism that included a depiction of a rat.
In response to the backlash, Lineker issued an apology for what was perceived by some as an insensitive comment towards Jews, admitting he was unaware of its implications. A recent statement announced Lineker's forthcoming exit from the BBC had been settled "by mutual agreement".
Initially, Lineker was expected to conclude his 26-year tenure as host of Match of the Day at the end of the current season, while still helming BBC's coverage of upcoming major football events such as next season's FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, reports Leicestershire Live.
Yet, his departure has been hastened to arrive a year sooner than anticipated. In a prior interview with Amol Rajan for the BBC last month, Lineker disclosed that there were figures at the corporation who "wanted me to leave", which predated the latest row.
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Gary Lineker disclosed his realisation that BBC executives no longer wanted him on their leading football highlights programme emerged as early as last year. Astonishingly, the former Leicester City forward noted he was propositioned to helm his own cooking show on the BBC as a form of compensation.
Lineker shared his story with The Telegraph just days before posting a video accompanied by a rat emoji, saying: "It's funny, when I was talking to the Beeb and they told me they didn't want me to do another three years, they said, 'We think you could do a cooking show.'".
Recounting the eccentric offer that suggested a significant career pivot, Lineker couldn't help but express his incredulity with an eye roll, adding: "Are you kidding? I thought it was hilarious."
He continued to divulge in the same interview, responding to queries over which BBC personnel had seemingly wished for his departure, and the extent he believes the situation has altered since Alex Kay-Jelski took on the role of BBC Director of Sport in April the previous year.
"I think it has [changed], and that's what I was alluding to," Lineker observed. "He has his reasons, he wants to change Match of the Day slightly. In the end, I'm unconvinced they will because where can a highlights show diverge from showcasing highlights? His vision is to incorporate more journalists – he himself springs from that realm, absent any television acumen."
In January, Kay-Jelski revealed that Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman, and Kelly Cates were set to take on shared hosting responsibilities for Match of the Day, with a view to supporting Gary Lineker at next year's World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
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However, following a recent development as reported by The Sun, there's been a shift in plans. It is understood that Chapman, Logan, and Cates will now vie for the lead presenting position during the World Cup coverage.
An insider reportedly commented: "Now Gary's gone, there has to be a lead anchor for the World Cup coverage.
"Mark, Gabby and Kelly can definitely share the duties between them, but it will boil down to who gets the big games. For example, who will be taking the lead role on the final - which will be the game they all want to be the leading voice on."
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