Gary Lineker quits another major BBC job just one day after Match of the Day exit
Gary Lineker has decided to depart from his presenting duties at Sports Personality Of The Year (SPOTY), as confirmed by the BBC today (Wednesday, November 13). Last year's event, which he hosted alongside famed faces such as retired Lionesses defender Alex Scott, and fellow TV icons Gabby Logan and Clare Balding, will now be the the football legend's final SPOTY hosting gig.
The exit follows the news that the respected broadcaster will be bowing out from Match Of The Day (MOTD) when the current Premier League season draws to a close. However, Gary's fans won't miss him for long as he's reportedly set to stay with the BBBC following an agreed contract extension until the 2026 World Cup.
He is still lined up to lead the BBC Sport coverage of the FA Cup for the 2025-26 season and carry on hosting the Match Of The Day: Top 10 podcast on BBC Sounds, which will also feature The Rest Is Football podcast by Gary's Goalhanger Podcasts, dropping a fresh episode weekly on the platform.
READ MORE: 'I'm a Strictly Come Dancing pro and I agree with Shayne Ward's exit'
READ MORE: Met Office say snow set to blanket parts of the UK as Brits brace for -2C weather
A spokesperson from BBC SPOTY shared with the PA news agency: "We can confirm Gary has decided to step down from the team presenting BBC Sports Personality Of The Year. After 23 years, last year’s 70th anniversary was his final show."
It's understood, according to PA, that the 63 year old's move is not linked to whatever went down during recent contracts talks which will see him still cover live football for BBC until the 2026 World Cup. This all comes after reports from BBC News hinting that the ex-Leicester City player was up for extending his stint on MOTD, however, was never presented with a new contract offer.
Following the confirmation of his new deal, Gary said: "I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen."
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, also appeared thrilled that Gary had signed on the dotted line again, saying: "Gary is a world-class presenter and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup."
After announcing his departure from Match Of The Day after 25 seasons, BBC Sport acknowledged Gary's significant contribution, saying: "After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week.
"He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football."
With the Match Of The Day anchor chair soon to be vacant, speculation is rife about his successor. Mark Chapman, host of Match Of The Day 2, and Football Focus host Alex Scott are hotly tipped to step into his shoes - who stepped into those of Des Lynam when he took over in 1999.
