Sky News football presenter Kelly Cates is to replace Gary Lineker as host of the BBC’s “Match of the Day”, according to reports. Lineker announced last month that he was leaving the show after 25 years at the helm.
Cates is understood to be joining a new presenting line-up also featuring BBC sports broadcaster Gabby Logan and “Match of the Day 2” presenter Mark Chapman.
A rota of hosts
Cates, the daughter of former Liverpool player Kenny Dalglish, has earned “deserved acclaim” for her presenting at Sky Sports, said SportBible. Her move to the BBC represents a “major blow” for the satellite broadcaster, said the Daily Mail, with Sky bosses reportedly “deeply saddened” at losing her.
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The new presenting line-up will see Cates sharing hosting duties with Logan and Chapman. A “rota of hosts would represent a significant change” for the long-running show, said The Telegraph, but the three presenters were reported to be looking forward to working together and have “no issues” with sharing the main role. Speaking to The Independent last month, Cates said “Chappers and Gabby” were “really good mates of mine”.