The BBC has named the trio of presenters who will replace Gary Lineker in the iconic Match of the Day presenter’s chair from next season.
Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan, who had all been heavily linked with the now-joint role, are the chosen three. This is the first time the hosting has been shared by three presenters.
Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter who caused a stir two years ago around his social media use, is stepping down after 26 years, although he will remain presenting other soccer coverage on the BBC including the World Cup.
Chapman already hosts Match of the Day 2 and it was widely expected he would be one of the Lineker replacements. Logan has presented BBC sport coverage for years and is a well-known face. Cates is a much-liked Sky Sports News host who will continue her role with Sky Sports once she takes on the Match of the Day duties. She is the daughter of famous Liverpool FC player Kenny Dalglish.
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Match of the Day has been airing for six decades and this is the first time it will be permanently hosted by women, although it has been hosted by women down the years on a temporary basis.
The news comes with a number of big-name BBC presenters exiting their shows alongside Lineker such as Zoe Ball and Mishal Hussain.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: “I know viewers will love these three incredible broadcasters and journalists at the heart of our football coverage next season. They’re brilliant at what they do and Match of the Day viewers can be sure they will be well looked after as the big football talking points are expertly analysed.”