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The race to take over Gary Lineker’s position as the host of Match Of The Day is intensifying.
His well-respected probable replacement, Dan Walker, who recently returned to football presenting on Prime Video, has stated that out of all of Gary’s roles, only one truly interests him – the face of Walkers crisps.
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Credit: Splash
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Credit: X @BBCMOTD
When questioned about the buzz regarding his possible role on the BBC One’s flagship program at the TRIC Christmas lunch, former Football Focus host Dan replied: “Match Of The Day is an outstanding program that I truly admire, and I’m thrilled to be back in football.”
“Nonetheless, if there’s anything from Gary that I would envy, it would surely be his crisp endorsement.”
“With a surname like mine, it could hardly be a perfect match, right?”
Gary, aged 63, shared in November that he would step down from his role after 25 years on the show.
READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
Numerous names have been put forward as candidates for the position, such as Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan, and Kelly Somers.
Frequent Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards have also been mentioned.
Recent polls showed that Shearer is the favorite among viewers to succeed Lineker.
However, it appears that former Manchester City right-back Richards, 36, has been ruled out by Lineker.
During his appearance on The Rest Is Football, Richards tried to remove his name from contention.
He stated: “You know what, I just need to clarify this.
Dan Walker shares his experience of a snow disaster while abandoning his car
“When discussions arise about Micah Richards possibly taking over as a presenter, I find it immensely disrespectful to the many skilled presenters out there.”
“Just because I’m a pundit doesn’t mean I have the ability to present. I can provide insights into players and comprehend the game while analyzing tactics.”
“Yet being selected to host one of the most iconic shows, not only in sports but in BBC history, would be a different matter entirely.”
He further insisted: “There are numerous others who would be far more suited to the role than I; I’m baffled as to why my name would even surface.”
Lineker humorously reassured Richards that his mention was unnecessary.
He joked: “Micah, you can totally relax. I can guarantee they won’t be considering you.”
Chapman appears to be the leading candidate to assume Lineker’s role.
JILLY: I’M HOT FOR RIVALS 2
If the sultry scenes in Rutshire left you craving more Rivals, Disney+ is providing an early festive surprise.
Confirming my exclusive TV Biz scoop, the streaming platform has announced that a second series is forthcoming following the cliffhanger of the first season.
Though it has yet to be confirmed whether David Tennant, Victoria Smurfit, and Aidan Turner will reprise their roles, writer Jilly Cooper, whose novel inspired the series, expressed her excitement about the announcement.
Yesterday, she remarked: “Nearly 40 years after my novel Rivals was published, I am thrilled to see audiences fall in love with my cherished characters – the best in Rutshire.”
“I am overjoyed and can’t wait for the return of my superhero Rupert Campbell-Black and the rest of the cast in season two.”
Well, that’s quite delightful, isn’t it?
IT’S WHO DARES WINGS
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Credit: Sanne Gault
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Credit: © 2023 Sony Pictures Television
Who would have predicted the emergence of such bold fashions after World War One?
The rich nightlife of London’s Soho in 1918 is showcased in striking visuals from the upcoming BBC One drama Dope Girls.
This series highlights a time of sexual liberation, indulgence, and captivating glamour as women sought their own paths.
At the center of the lively club scene is single mother Kate Galloway, portrayed by Julianne Nicholson, who opens a night venue to provide for her daughter Evie while becoming entangled in a hidden world of crime, all beneath police scrutiny.
Eliza Scanlen plays Violet Davies, a pioneering female police officer sent undercover to investigate the club’s shady dealings.
Among the women she meets is the fierce Billie Cassidy (Umi Myers), a glamorous and carefree dancer.
Gather your seating, ladies and gentlemen, and prepare to tune in next year.
MURDER IN ROYAL CIRCLES
The creators behind The Crown are gearing up for their next royal venture, titled The Lady.
This four-part drama for ITV will explore the tale of Jane Andrews, a former aide to the Duchess of York who was convicted of murder.
Filming is set to kick off next year in Grimsby and London, depicting Jane’s rise and eventual downfall after she landed a prestigious role as the royal dresser through an ad in The Lady magazine.
Her fall from grace was spurred by the loss of her job and her relationship with businessman Thomas Cressman, whom she was ultimately found guilty of murdering.
Sian McWilliams from Left Bank Pictures remarked: “The Lady elegantly delves into the tragic events and seeks to uncover the true identity of Jane Andrews.”
