The favourites to replace Gary Lineker once he steps down from his role as host of Match of the Day have been revealed.
Lineker, who became the host of the flagship football show back in 1999, five years after he called time on his playing career, is set to step down after 26 years.
It was first reported by the Sun that the Brit would leave the show come the close of the Premier League season, this May.
He is the longest-serving host, and it'll definitely be a huge job in trying to replace him.
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The 63-year-old is set to stay on with the BBC for its 2025/26 FA Cup coverage though, as well as leading the World Cup coverage in 2026 before leaving the broadcaster.
His departure is expected to be officially announced today (12 November), though the BBC has already reported on the news.
Lineker's future at the BBC has been in question recently, as he hinted towards it in interviews earlier this year, as he said on BBC Breakfast: "It depends how long they want me, I suppose. I love doing it at the moment; I've still got another year left, at least. So we'll have to wait and see what happens."
He continued: "Obviously it's another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that. All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it's been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!"
As one of the most recognisable names and faces that the BBC have on their books, Lineker is also the broadcaster's single highest earner across the board, taking home aorund £1.3 million a year.
It is said that the decision to go separate ways came after six weeks of contract discussions, report the Daily Mail.
But now, it looks like there are seven frontrunners for his role as host of Match of the Day, with former Lionesses footballer Alex Scott up for the role, filling in for Lineker in the past when he's been away.
Currently the host of BBC's Football Focus, she has also been a part of shows at the Euros, FA Cup and Women's Super League to name a few.
Sports host and ex-Olympian Gabby Logan is also up for the role, even ranking in at second favourite for the role, according to Ladbrokes.
Mark Chapman stands alone as favourite at 6/4 odds, though the Sun have reported that the BBC may try to introduce a rotation of presenters, with Chapman one of the hosts being rotated.
He has also recently started hosting the BBC's mid-week Champions League highlight show.
Sky Sports host Kelly Cates is also up for the role, while Eilidh Barbour, known for covering the Women's World Cup for the BBC, also a contender.
Presenters Kelly Somers and Laura Woods are too up for the gig, while other names such as Micah Richards and Alan Shearer sit further down in the odds.
List of favourites to replace Lineker
- Mark Chapman (6/4)
- Gabby Logan (4/1)
- Kelly Cates (5/1)
- Alex Scott, Eilidh Barbour (6/1)
- Kelly Somers (8/1)
- Laura Woods (10/1)
When approached by LADbible, a BBC spokesperson declined to comment.
Topics: BBC, Entertainment, Football, Gary Lineker, Sport, TV, UK News
Joshua Nair