BBC announced that former England and Barcelona striker Gary Lineker would be leaving Match of the Day at the end of the season and a number of replacements have already been touted
A new favourite has emerged for the Match of the Day host vacancy – and she’s already spoken out on Gary Lineker ‘s exit.
The BBC announced that the former Barcelona and England forward would be leaving the role come the end of the 2024/25 season. The move sees him step back from the role that he has held since replacing Des Lynham in 1999.
A number of replacements have been touted since Lineker’s departure was announced. Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman emerged as an early frontrunner.
Reports previously suggested that the BBC wanted to hand the role to Chapman in a job share with Kelly Somers – an idea that he rejected. Despite that, he remains among the favourites to succeed Lineker.
According to William Hill, he is second in line at odds of 2/1. But Chapman has recently been overtaken in the search for Lineker’s replacement according to the bookmakers.
Gabby Logan, 51, is now the favourite and sits at odds of 11/8. Logan of course has enjoyed a lengthy career in broadcasting.
She started with ITV and has been a regular fixture across the BBC since 2007, while she has also been the host of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards since 2013. Logan has hosted the award show alongside Lineker on a number of occasions.
But that will not be the case this year after it was announced that he was also stepping down from that particular role. Speaking about the change, Logan said: “It’s horses for courses. It’s about having the best and most relevant people to work on that show. There are good men and good women in the business.”
Who should replace Gary Lineker? Share your suggestions in the comments below
Asked specifically about Lineker’s exit, she added: “The three of us have done it before, we’re all experienced with SPOTY – and obviously Gary decided to step down, but I think we have it covered.”
Logan has in fact already received backing within the industry – from none other than Lorraine Kelly. Speaking last month, she said: “While his [Gary’s] replacement has not yet been announced it’s been suggested a woman could be taking over. With Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Laura Woods among the favourites.
“Can I just put out there – no disrespect to the other two – but Gabby Logan would be a-ma-zing. She is fantastic, she makes it look easy, she knows everything about everything and she’s wonderful. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.”
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