Gary Lineker's life off-screen - girlfriend, house and very unusual relationship with ex
Gary Lineker, who has hosted Match of the Day since 1999, will leave the BBC after hosting its coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico
Match of the Day star, Gary Lineker, has been on our screens ever since he shot to fame as a footballer with Leicester City and England. He then went onto host the BBC highlights show in 1999 before revealing that he was leaving the Beeb in 2026 after hosting its coverage of the World Cup.
In a new interview, Gary, 64, says he's looking forward to a break, adding that he thinks he'll "step back from TV". So, as his life on-screen slowly draws to a close, here's a look at the star's life off-screen, including his romantic relationships, stunning house - and very unusual relationship with his ex-wife, Danielle Bux...
READ MORE: Gary Lineker dreamed of 'little white coffin' after son's cancer diagnosis
Unusual relationship with ex-wife Danielle Bux
A year after Gary split up from his first wife, Michelle, he started dating model Danielle Bux, who was 20 years younger his junior.
Two years after being set up on a blind date, they married in Italy. But, in 2016 the couple announced they had split following reports they clashed on whether or not to start a family.
Despite calling it quits, they remain best pals, with Gary telling the Mirror: "Danielle and I are best mates, we still speak three times a day, we text all the time. When she comes to London she stays with me, and when I go to LA I see her."
They also meet up every Christmas, sharing happy snaps together on both sides of the pond.
Speaking to The Times in 2019, Gary suggested that Danielle's wish to have children caused their split. He said: "Obviously I would have done, but she said: 'It's not fair on you.' Then I said: 'Well, I'd feel terrible if I stop you doing it'.'
Danielle went on to marry American entertainment lawyer Nate Greenwald, with the couple sharing a daughter Ella together.
Current girlfriend
After splitting up with his ex-wife, Danielle, in 2016, it was reported Gary was dating celebrity chef Gizzi Erskine in 2019 after they were seen partying together backstage at All Points East festival. However, both Gary and Gizzi quickly shut down rumours of a relationship.
Since then, the former footballer hasn't been linked publicly to anyone else, but Gary did say in 2021 he was 'dating a bit' despite admitting: he "liked being on my own".
Speaking to The Times, he said: "I like being on my own. I know it sounds a bit mad. I have lots of company. I've got lots of friends and I've also got my boys who come around a lot and I cook for them. I don't feel lonely.
"I have the odd date here and there, but nothing, not in terms of a long relationship."
He added: "I've been married most of my adult life. Two really good marriages, I'm friends with both. Danielle's kind of my best mate, so I have that female connection with her. I'm not saying whether it'll change. It might do. But at the minute I'm very comfortable."
Palatial pad in one of London's most expensive areas
Gary may have lived in Leicester, Essex and Surrey previously, but he now puts his feet up in the sought-after district of Barnes in West London.
Nestled next to the River Thames, the scenic city spot is part of the affluent borough of Richmond - one of the capital's most expensive areas.
Gary often shares snaps of the palatial pad on Instagram, revealing the home's chic decor and top of the range tech.
In one photo on his page, a midnight blue velvet sofa can be seen strewn with a colourful cushions. An elegant chaise lounge was also in the room, which features some striking artwork on the wall.
Fans were also given a glimpse of Gary's kitchen. That part of the property was showcased by Piers Morgan, who'd enjoyed a slap-up meal at his nemesis' home.
The journalist shared a photo of himself and the former footballer in the kitchen, which features marble worktops and ultra modern appliances in chrome silver.
Gary has also teased a glamorous screen room in his home, sharing photos and footage of himself enjoying sports and other broadcasts from his enormous TV - which, following his candid interview with the Beeb, will soon be showing a lot less of the Leicester-born star.
BBC bombshells
Gary only has a number of Match of the Day shows left ahead of his exit from the iconic BBC show and has now hinted at the thought process behind the bombshell decision.
Ahead of his official exit from the programme, the former footballer has suggested that BBC chiefs had made their feelings clear on Gary leaving the show. Speaking in an interview with the channel, he said: 'It's time [to leave]. I've done it for a long time. It's been brilliant. It's been great.'
He then added: "Well, perhaps they want me to leave. There was the sense of that, yes."
Gary was asked to step down from his role as host of the football highlights show last year after the corporation took issue with a tweet he published about migrant workers, and comparing the Government's policy to that of Germany's in the 1930s.
After he refused to apologise on the show regarding his comments, the BBC made the decision to leave him off the programme
Following the announcement, a whole host of Match of the Day pundits and football journalists across the BBC temporarily pulled out of their duties.
After the overwhelming show of support, Gary's son's George told the Mirror said: "Shearer [Alan] and Wrighty [Ian] backing down made me emotional, it means a lot to me.
'I think he did cry when he found out about that. The support has been a positive thing to come out of this.'
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