BBC confirm Gary Lineker’s Match of the Day replacements in huge shake-up
Share:
The BBC’s flagship football show, Match of the Day, will be presented by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season, it has been announced. For the first time in the show’s history, the role of lead presenter will be shared by three presenters.
Current presenter Gary Lineker is stepping down this summer after 26 years in the role, but will continue to present FA Cup games and be involved in the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup. ‘Match of the Day first aired in 1964 and the trio are the sixth set of main presenters for the weekly football highlights programme,’ the BBC said in a statement.
‘It is just as treasured by audiences now as it was back then, bringing people together week in, week out. ‘Last season 33 million viewers tuned in across all Match of the Day Premier League and FA Cup programmes on BBC TV and iPlayer, while millions more enjoy the opinion and analysis on the BBC Sport website, app and social channels.’.
Cates, 49, has been a key figure in Sky Sports’ coverage of the Premier League in recent years while also working for BBC Radio 5 Live. The daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish said: ‘Once I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I just know that’s going to be a really incredible moment.
‘I’ve worked with a lot of the pundits before and they’re all fantastic, so I’m just looking forward to getting started. ‘I’ve known Gabby and Mark really well for years so to bring it all together, embracing the digital side of things, it feels like a really comprehensive football package for fans and that’s what makes it so exciting too.’.