Who will replace Gary Lineker? Many have been keen to know after the BBC told their Match of the Day host to step back.
The bizarre announcement comes after the 62-year-old compared the UK Government’s language regarding their new Stop the Boats campaign to that used by Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
Lineker has stood by the comments despite widespread backlash, which involved Home Secretary Suella Braverman admitting she was “disappointed” by his reaction.
So, who will replace Lineker on Match of the Day? Let’s take a look at some potential options…
Who will replace Gary Lineker?
Well, it remains to be seen if the BBC tell Lineker to step down from his role as host of Match of the Day for good, but he definitely won’t be appearing on our screens this weekend.
As a result, here are five potential candidates to step into his shoes.
Alex Scott
Scott succeeded Dan Walker as host of Football Focus in 2021 and has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the presenting scene across recent years.
Jermaine Jenas
The One Show host has previously sat alongside Lineker on the Match of the Day panel to analyse Premier League clashes.
Jenas also hosted the draw for the 2022 World Cup in Doha, so he would be capable of taking over the huge responsibility from Lineker.
James Corden
The 44-year-old, who starred in and also co-wrote the BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, was actually linked with Lineker’s job in May 2022 as rumours flew around social media.
Lineker even addressed rumours of Corden taking the reins from him on Match of the Day by tweeting: “Getting a number of texts from friends asking if I’m quitting MOTD after reports on Twitter of my possible successor.
“So, it’s only fair I give you the bad news now: I’m afraid I still have three years to run on my contract, so you’re stuck with me for a while.”
Mark Chapman
The 49-year-old has previously filled in for Lineker on Match of the Day when the main man has been absent.
Chapman is also lead presenter of Sunday’s Match of the Day 2 – therefore, he is probably the most likely to replace Lineker this weekend.
Dan Walker
The 45-year-old has previously hosted Match of the Day and, as aforesaid, was the face of Football Focus before Scott took over.
Walker is a talented presenter, and would be a natural fit to replace Lineker this weekend.
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