By Nuray Bulbul
Copyright standard
Gary Lineker has been named the best TV presenter at the National Television Awards, four months after his Match of The Day exit.
During Wednesday night’s ceremony, the former host broke Ant and Dec’s 23-year winning streak.
In May, following the conclusion of the Premier League season, Lineker departed the BBC football program after 26 years. It was also his final appearance with the BBC, since he had announced his departure due to the latest in a series of scandals involving his usage of social media.
While accepting the award, he said the prize “demonstrates that it is OK to use your platform to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice. It’s not lost on me why I might have won this award.”
When asked if he would return to the BBC, the broadcaster stated he was “really looking forward to working with ITV”.
Lineker also previously announced he will no longer present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup, the broadcaster announced on Monday.
It came after he declared he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic” and “apologised unreservedly” for posting a social media message that featured a rat, which Nazi Germany used as propaganda to dehumanise Jews.
Confirming his departure in May, a BBC spokesperson said at the time: “Gary Lineker will leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match of the Day for the 2024/25 season. He will not be part of the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup coverage.”
While Lineker said: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years.
“As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for. However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”
Lineker’s last appearance on the BBC was on May 25, the final day of the season.
Lineker left the BBC following backlash over his posts on social media.
In May, the host of Match of the Day used Instagram to promote a pro-Palestinian video that used the rat emoji, an icon used by the Nazis as a slur against Jewish people.
Calls to have Lineker fired from the BBC increased even after he apologised and took down the post.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) stated that the presenter’s “continued association with the BBC was untenable” when he re-shared the post.
The British organisation claimed to have lodged a complaint against Lineker with the BBC and launched a petition that gathered more than 10,000 signatures in favour of his dismissal.
A spokesperson for the CAA said in a statement on Monday: “Gary Lineker’s departure from the BBC was long overdue – this latest incident comes after years of us pointing out his descent.
“He became a symbol of the rot at the heart of our national broadcaster: A man repeatedly allowed to flout the BBC’s own rules on impartiality, abusing his position to promote his increasingly propagandist politics, vilifying those he disagrees with, and even promoting dehumanising and extreme messages.”
In a lengthy Instagram video, Lineker expanded on his BBC statement, reaffirming that he “absolutely” detests anti-Semitism.
“Last week I shared a post here on Instagram that contained an emoji that has awful connotations,” he acknowledged. “Unfortunately I did not see the emoji. If I had, I would never, ever have shared it. The minute I was made aware, I deleted the post and went on to make an apology.
“I would like once again to say I’m sorry unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight but I should have been more diligent. I know that.”
This wasn’t Lineker’s first controversy.
In March 2023, the presenter’s remarks questioning the asylum policies of the then Conservative Government led to an impartiality dispute and a temporary suspension from the BBC.
Lineker made his final BBC appearance on Sunday, May 25, on Match Of The Day.
He was replaced by a trio of Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman, and Kelly Cates, who alternately present the show.
Lineker will appear on The Box, a new gameshow on ITV.
According to ITV, “The Box sees 10 celebrity contestants transported to unknown locations before being released to face whatever game awaits on the other side of the door”.
“Every episode will see them face surprising reveals, unique games, and a compelling series arc – as each week two players will face The Duel, a dramatic show finale, which will see the loser leaving the competition for good.”
In a statement after The Box was confirmed, Lineker said: “I can’t wait to host The Box. I’ve always felt right at home in the box on a football pitch, and whilst this is a different proposition, the fundamentals are similar.”
The Box is scheduled to be released in 2026.
Along with fellow BBC commentators Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Lineker still participates in a podcast called The Rest Is Football.
Despite the fact that all three have worked for the BBC, the podcast is unaffiliated with the broadcaster, therefore, Lineker will continue his work on the show.
