5 days Ago By [email protected] (Tom Victor, Steve Wollaston)
TNT Sports presenter Reshmin Chowdhury has been named as a potential candidate to step into Gary Lineker's shoes as Match of the Day host, according to reports. Lineker is set to step down from his longstanding position at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, but he's not leaving the BBC entirely, having agreed on a new contract that will see him cover live football matches through the end of the 2026 World Cup. One possible successor initially had been Mark Chapman, familiar as the face of Match of the Day 2 and new to the BBC Champions League highlights team this year.
However, Chapman reportedly turned down an offer to share the leading role with Kelly Somers. As the BBC isn't rushed to select a new host—they have more than six months to make their choice—the spot could be filled by Chowdhury. It's believed that Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC director of sport who once tried to sign Chowdhury for The Athletic, is a proponent of her talents.
The 46 year old broadcaster and journalist has a history with the corporation, having previously provided commentary for them. . After the announcement of Lineker's temporary agreement, Kay-Jelski expressed his satisfaction by saying: "Gary is a world-class presenter, and we're delighted that he'll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.
", reports the Mirror . "After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week.
He'll be hugely missed on the show but we're so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football." Lineker himself issued a brief reaction following the agreement: "I'm delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen," he commented. Meanwhile, if rumours about Chapman turning down the role are confirmed, pundit Danny Murphy may find it a letdown.
Having spent several years offering analysis on BBC shows, the ex-England player had previously endorsed Chapman on talkSPORT, saying, "I feel that they've got [a candidate]. Mark Chapman, who I work with a lot on Sundays," Murphy disclosed. "I think he's a brilliant presenter and very, very knowledgeable on sport and football.
Somebody who is ready-made for it." He added, "Whether he wants it or not, I don't know. That's a different question, you'd have to ask him.
But he would be the glaring, obvious choice for me.".
