GARY Lineker’s departure from hosting BBC Sports Personality of the Year paves the way for the award ceremony’s first-ever all-female lineup.
Here we take a look at why he’s not presenting the 2024 edition of SPOTY and who will be filling his shoes.
PAGary Lineker hosted SPOTY for 23 years[/caption]
The 2023 SPOTY presenting team consisted of Gary, Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Clare Balding
Why is Gary Lineker not presenting SPOTY 2024?
In November 2024, following the news he was stepping down from presenting Match of the Day (MOTD), Gary Lineker also called time on his role presenting Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY), a BBC spokesperson announced.
The corporation said that last year’s awards ceremony was the former England striker’s last.
The news followed reports that the former Spurs and Barcelona forward was open to staying on at MOTD, but was not offered a new deal.
A BBC SPOTY spokesperson said: “We can confirm Gary has decided to step down from the team presenting BBC Sports Personality Of The Year.
“After 23 years, last year’s 70th anniversary was his final show.”
What does Gary Lineker do now?
Since announcing he was leaving the BBC, Gary has embarked on a new chapter in his career.
Despite stepping down from SPOTY and MOTD, Gary’s new contract with the BBC ensures that he will remain a key figure in their sports programming.
While his role hosting MOTD will finish at the end of the current Premier League season, he has secured a contract extension with the BBC that will keep him involved in various capacities until at least the 2026 World Cup.
Gary will continue to host live football coverage for the BBC, including leading the network’s coverage of the FA Cup for the 2025-26 season.
In addition to TV, Gary is actively involved in podcasting.
He will continue to present the Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast on BBC Sounds, where he discusses various football topics with fans and experts.
Gary also co-hosts The Rest Is Football podcast alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, which is produced by his own company Goalhanger Podcasts and is available also through BBC Sounds.
It features discussions on current footballing events and is filled with enjoyable anecdotes from the footballing legends’ careers.
In a statement released on November 12, Gary said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”
We can confirm Gary has decided to step down from the team presenting BBC Sports Personality Of The Year
BBC statement
Two weeks after the news he was leaving MOTD broke, his newest project was unveiled — Gary is set to be involved in Baller League UK.
The football tournament was launched in Germany in early 2024 and includes the likes of Mats Hummels and Lukasz Podolski.
Baller League is made up of 12 teams consisting of six players on each side, with weekly matches taking place indoors across two 15-minute halves.
Who is presenting SPOTY 2024?
There’s a fresh female line-up of presenters for SPOTY 2024, which promises to make this year’s ceremony both engaging and inspirational.
Clare Balding
BBCClare balding has been presenting on the BBC for three decades[/caption]
Clare Balding is one of the most recognisable faces in British sports broadcasting.
The renowned journalist, author and former amateur jockey is one of the co-hosts for BBC SPOTY 2024.
Known for covering major events including Royal Ascot, the Olympics and Wimbledon, she has been a staple of the BBC’s sports coverage for three decades.
She told the BBC: “It’s been a massive year with Olympics, Paralympics and the men’s European Football Championships.
“There are a huge array of sportsmen and women who have shared the spotlight and it’s a great chance to celebrate their achievements.”
Gabby Logan
Gabby Logan is one of the frontrunners to replace Gary Lineker on MOTD
Gabby Logan is joining Clare as part of the hosting team.
The former gymnast has featured in previous editions of SPOTY.
Gabby started presenting for BBC Sport in 2007, going on to regularly feature on MOTD.
She has been tipped as one of Gary’s replacements on the show.
On what she looks forward at SPOTY, Gabby revealed: “Every award is special, from Unsung Hero, which honours those that give back to their local community, to the six main award contenders that have achieved something truly spectacular.
“What I love most though is being able to see the athletes reflect on their achievements again with their family and friends around them.
“Reliving that winning moment with them all is an honour.”
Alex Scott
Before turning to presenting, Alex Scott was a pro footballer
Alex Scott completes the trio of presenters for SPOTY 2024.
Since joining the SPOTY team in 2020, she has provided viewers with her unique perspective as an elite athlete.
The former pro footballer has become one of the most respected voices in sports media.
Since 2019, Alex has co-hosted Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday alongside Chris Kamara.
The ex-Arsenal ace was an integral part of the the BBC’s coverage of Euro 2024.
She has also regularly hosted Soccer Aid, The One Show and Children In Need.
Alex said: “There has been so much sport this year I don’t know where to begin.
“Manchester City continued to dominate the Premier League, winning it for the fourth time in a row, we had the Champions League final on our doorstep in London and Chelsea just kept on winning in the Women’s Super League, and that before the men’s Euros even kicked off.”
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