Kelly Cates admits 'bareface lying' to friends over MOTD move was 'HORRENDOUS' as Beeb's new top recruit reveals childhood excitement at replacing Gary Lineker
Kelly Cates admits 'bareface lying' to friends over MOTD move was 'HORRENDOUS' as Beeb's new top recruit reveals childhood excitement at replacing Gary Lineker
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Kelly Cates says she found 'barefaced lying' to her friends 'horrendous' as she tried to keep her appointment as one of three main Match of the Day hosts for next season under wraps. Mail Sport previously revealed that the 49-year-old Sky Sports icon was confirmed as the next MOTD appointment alongside Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman to share presenting duties of the BBC's flagship weekend Premier League highlights show and its midweek Champions League package from next season.
![[Cates (left) will take over MOTD hosting duties alongside Mark Chapman (middle) and Gabby Logan (right)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/16/16/94175649-0-image-a-11_1737045575950.jpg)
Her move was confirmed on Wednesday with Cates finally able to comment on her excitement at joining the flagship football programme's roll-call of hosts. The news follows confirmation that the current main host of the Saturday night programme, Gary Lineker, will stand down from the role at the end of the season.
![[Cates has spent several years being an iconic show host on Sky Sports alongside Gary Neville (middle) and Jamie Carragher (left)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/16/16/94175663-0-image-a-12_1737045581325.jpg)
Cates admitted she struggled with the secrecy around her new role, and came to realise she was not cut out for a career in espionage. Cates spoke to Chapman about the news as the pair co-hosted a new Sports Agents podcast released on Thursday afternoon, with Chapman's regular co-host Logan off this week.
![[Cates forms part of a three-person BBC shortlist that has been assigned to replace Gary Lineker (pictured)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/16/16/94175827-0-image-a-15_1737045635888.jpg)
Kelly Cates has comically revealed how she struggled to keep quiet over her Match of the Day appointment. Cates (left) will take over MOTD hosting duties alongside Mark Chapman (middle) and Gabby Logan (right). Cates has spent several years being an iconic show host on Sky Sports alongside Gary Neville (middle) and Jamie Carragher (left).
![[Cates has revealed how she found it 'horrendous' lying to friends after she held talks with the Beeb]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/16/16/94175647-14293059-image-m-16_1737045986734.jpg)
