What is Gary Lineker doing now? TV future after Match of the Day 'confirmed'

Metro

13 hours ago

Gary Lineker is officially returning to TV – but in a radically different role from the one viewers have come to expect over the years.
It comes as Match of the Day returns to screens tonight for its first episode since Lineker's departure, with Mark Chapman as host.
The 64-year-old broadcaster and former footballer stepped down from the BBC earlier this year and presented his last Match of the Day episode in May.
During his emotional goodbye, the veteran TV host choked up as he sat alongside co-presenters and fellow former football pros Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
But after hosting the sport highlights show for 26 years, Lineker's next adventure is set to be radically different.
Lineker is set to join ITV's new gameshow, The Box.
According to ITV, 'The Box sees 10 celebrity contestants transported to unknown locations before being released to face whatever game awaits on the other side of the door'.
The synopsis continues: 'Every episode will see them face surprising reveals, unique games, and a compelling series arc – as each week two players will face The Duel, a dramatic show finale, which will see the loser leaving the competition for good.'
In a statement after his next project was confirmed, Lineker said: 'I can't wait to host The Box. I've always felt right at home in the box on a football pitch, and whilst this is a different proposition, the fundamentals are similar.
'The contestants will have to quickly and masterfully work out how each game works, whilst also trying to get ahead of the competition to take control.'
On what viewers can expect, he teased: 'It's going to be unpredictable and thrilling to watch, and I'm excited that I get to have a front row seat to all the action.'
Lineker's new show, which is set to air in the UK in 2026, has already been greenlit for a second season following the success of its Norwegian edition, which has spawned several versions in other countries.
And it's certainly got UK viewers intrigued, who took to social media following its announcement to express their excitement.
'It'll be fantastic to see him back so quickly', wrote @acotswoldvoice of Lineker's return to screens.
However, others admitted their fatigue over 'another gameshow' being added to the broadcasting schedule, meaning Lineker might have to graft to win over cynics.
The former Everton and Barcelona player announced his exit from the BBC during the early months of 2025 after he shared a post to his Instagram Story from the Palestine Lobby group, titled 'Zionism explained in two minutes'.
His repost included an illustration of a rat, which has historically been used as an antisemitic representation of Jewish people, most notably in Nazi Germany propaganda.
Lineker later 'apologised unreservedly' and swiftly deleted the post from his account, saying he was unaware of the reference and that posting it had been a mistake.
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After the former England striker left the Beeb but before joining the ITV gameshow, The Sun claimed that his prospective presenting gig on The Box would 'infuriate' his former employers.
The publication reported that The Box had been gathering steam as TV networks search for the next answer to match The Traitors' dominance – see the latest attempt, Destination X.
Touted as a possible successor to Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway on ITV after the Geordie duo put it on hiatus last year, The Box had apparently caused ITV to pursue Lineker for some time.
The tabloid reported that ITV has been keen to snap up Lineker for some time and thinks this show, hailed as a mashup of I'm A Celebrity and SAS: Who Dares Wins, could be just the thing.
A source told The Sun: 'The scheduling hasn't yet been confirmed, but filming takes place in the autumn, and the series is due to air early spring.
'It looks likely to get a Saturday night slot, though, but obviously it's all still to play for.'
As well as Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will replace Lineker and share the presenting role on Match of the Day from the new Premier League season. More Trending
Speaking previously, broadcaster Chapman, 51, said he doesn't expect there to be a great deal of change to the programme.
'I know people keep saying, 'Oh, this will change, or that will change'. I genuinely don't think anything will change,' he mused.
'It will still be showing all the highlights and having a little bit of a chat. So, if you're wanting a lot of change, I suppose you're going to be a bit disappointed by it.
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'I think we still do the same thing and talk about football and have a laugh, and that'll be that.'
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