BBC launch reality show to find new presenter days after axing Gary Lineker

Gary Lineker will end his stint as Match of the Day host come this season's finale as the BBC look for their output to appeal to a younger generation and search for new talent

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BBC have launched a reality show as they begin a search for a new football expert. The broadcaster will produce a series that sees candidates compete in the build up to the Women's Euro 2025 tournament , with Radio 1 also covering the competition. The winner will produce digital content for BBC Sport and appear on television, radio, digital and social, including on programmes such as Football Focus and BBC Radio 5 Live .

BBC Creator Lab has teamed up with social media platform TikTok in a bid to discover the United Kingdom's best football creators. The platform will aim to promote and discover potential candidates' efforts and provide training. Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audience, said: "This is our biggest creator opportunity to date.



A chance to work with the BBC’s top Sport team and appear on some of the country’s biggest football shows as well as to appear on Radio 1 and a digital series. "We cannot wait to uncover and collaborate with the most exciting football creators in the UK." Director of BBC Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, said: "There can’t be many better jobs than working with the BBC's football team, so if you think you know the game better than anyone, get applying.

This could change your life." The show has launched for applications in the aftermath of the news that Gary Lineker will no longer host Match of the Day beyond this season. The programme's longest serving host will continue to work with the broadcaster until the of the 2026 World Cup however.

It has been suggested that Match of the Day could see a revamp of sorts with Kay-Jelski said to be lining up Roman Kemp up for a 'digital role' as part of those plans. There is an ambition to appeal to a younger audience. Speculation has mounted over who will replace Lineker in the hotseat .

Mark Chapman appears to be among the candidates to take on the position, as Lineker steps away ahead of a deal with the Premier League which enables BBC to show match action before their traditional 10.30pm time-slot. "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," Lineker said on The Rest Is Football .

"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 ." The 63-year-old 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." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

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