sportskeeda
GARY LINEKER has revealed that he has turned down multiple offers to participate in reality TV shows following his announcement of leaving the BBC.
At the age of 64, Lineker will wrap up his role as the host of Match of the Day at the end of the season.
3
3
He will be replaced by Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman.
Nonetheless, he will continue leading the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the US and Mexico.
Lineker will also keep his role in the broadcaster’s FA Cup broadcasts.
In an interview with The Times, Lineker discussed receiving several invitations from reality TV productions.
He disclosed that producers from Big Brother had approached his agent to explore his interest in joining the show.
They were informed of a £100 million proposal, but Lineker remarked he “wouldn’t have done it for £100 million either,” adding that the proposal was “a bit beyond their budget.”
During the discussion, Lineker, who has represented his country 80 times and scored 48 goals, shared how he has honed his culinary skills during his leisure time.
This new interest has also resulted in offers from cooking shows.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
He stated: “I’ve been approached to do cooking shows, but I’m not interested, as I am a passionate cook and believe I have skills, but I am not Gordon f***ing Ramsay.”
Lineker feels he has evolved into a more effective presenter, with his podcast “The Rest is Football” enhancing his abilities both behind the microphone and in front of the camera.
3
Despite this, the endeavor did not impact the BBC’s decision to keep him.
He expressed: “I think I’m a more competent presenter than I’ve ever been.
“I understand all the pitfalls that can arise, as well as the successes. It seems like an appropriate time to move on.
“There wasn’t a strong desire to offer me a new three-year contract.”
Lineker started his journey with Match of the Day in 1999, stepping in for Des Lynam.
He also acted as the BBC’s head presenter for the London 2012 Olympic Games and was reported to be the highest-paid presenter at the corporation in July 2022.
In 2023, he faced suspension from Match of the Day after criticizing the British government’s immigration policy on social media.
