BBC issues five-word response to reports Kelly Cates will replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day
The BBC has said it ‘does not respond to speculation’ amid rumours that Kelly Cates will replace Gary Lineker as one of three hosts on Match of the Day next season.
It was announced last month that Lineker would be departing the popular football highlights show once the current campaign is out of the way.
He will stay with the BBC until 2026 before then walking away once the World Cup, which is due to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, is over.
On Sunday, reports swirled suggesting that Cates was set to be one part of a three-person presenting team.
She will reportedly share the role with Mark Chapman, who currently hosts Match of the Day 2, and Gabby Logan.
According to the Daily Mail, however, the BBC are currently refusing to confirm or deny the reports.
It’s claimed that, when approached, the Beeb says it ‘does not respond to speculation’.
Nothing appears to have been officially confirmed yet and, on Sunday, Cates continued to work on Sky Sports as normal.
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The 49-year-old hosted Super Sunday, with four matches taking place.
Chapman also continued to present MOTD 2, appearing on the highlights show with pundits Shay Given and Danny Murphy.
New presenters may not be the only thing that changes on the programme over the next year or so.
It’s also been said that the BBC want to bring in a ‘news element’ to Match of the Day as they look to revamp it.
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Lineker, meanwhile, recently opened up on his imminent departure from Match of the Day.
The former England star, who has helmed the programme ever since the departure of Des Lynham to ITV in 1999, said it had been a ‘privelege’.
But he also insisted that it was time for the BBC to take things in a different direction as they look to keep viewing figures high.
The 64-year-old said: “It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end.
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“It came at a point where really the BBC and Match of the Day, they’ve got the rights for another three years, the cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird.”
He then added: “I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was the right time. I feel this is now the right time.
“I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”
On who could replace him, he continued: “Obviously I don’t know who it’ll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference, I don’t think that’d be the right thing to do – but whoever it is, I would say be yourself.
“I had to fill the ginormous shoes of a certain Des Lynam. I would say just be yourself and enjoy it, it’s a wonderful programme to be a part of. It was brilliant before I took over, and it will be brilliant after I leave.”
“I look back and it’s been an amazing experience, and I feel incredibly fortunate,” he said, before confirming he would still watch Match of the Day.
“It’s the flagship BBC Sports programme, hopefully, it always will be.”
