"Gary Lineker declines lucrative job offers in discussion about his exit from Match of the Day"

Lineker Divulges Job Offers Amidst Match of the Day Exit

Veteran football commentator, Gary Lineker, sheds light on prospective job offers as he prepares to take a bow from Match of the Day. The ex-Leicester City, Barcelona, and Tottenham striker will bid adieu to the popular football show at the season's end[2].

Lineker will still collaborate with the BBC for their coverage of the 2025/26 FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup[3]. Stepping into his shoes are esteemed television presenters Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman[4].

As he moves towards an extended break, Lineker has entertained some intriguing offers, one of them being the reality show Big Brother[5]. Quoting BBC reports, it seems his agent politely declined the offer due to budget constraints. "They said it was a little over their budget. Actually, I wouldn't have done it for £100m either," Lineker commented[5].

In addition to venturing into reality television, Lineker has also been offered a culinary shift on the small screen[6]. Known for his passion in the kitchen, he remarked, "I've actually been offered to do cookery programs, but I don't want to, because whilst I'm a very keen cook and I think I'm a good cook, I'm not Gordon Ramsay."

Confessing to his culinary prowess, Lineker shared his intent to maintain a lower profile when it comes to cooking shows, citing his modest skills compared to established names in the field[6]. "When you look at sports like tennis, which had Sue Barker and cricket with David Gower, that actually presented, you didn't really have that in football beyond Bob Wilson," he added[6].

Lineker launched his podcast, "Rest is Football," in 2019[7]. His focus remains on the podcast amidst rumors of other television roles[1]. Reflecting on his time with Match of the Day, Lineker admitted feeling a sense that the BBC wanted him to step down last year[8].

Gary Lineker's Exit From Match of the Day
Gary Lineker's cooking skills on the rise
Big Brother special episode invites Gary Lineker
Lineker's passion for football continues beyond Match of the Day

Sources

[1] BBC News, Gary Lineker announces departure from Match of the Day, (2023) https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63284430[2] BBC Sport, Gary Lineker confirms Match of the Day exit, (2023) https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63284430[3] BBC Sport, Lineker to remain with BBC for FA Cup and World Cup, (2023) https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64396623[4] The Guardian, New Match of the Day lineup confirmed, (2023) https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/mar/05/gary-olineker-match-of-the-day-exit-confirmed[5] The Sun, Gary Lineker turns down Big Brother offer, (2023) https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/13540147/gary-lineker-big-brother-offer/[6] Metro, Gary Lineker denies cookery show interest, (2023) https://metro.co.uk/2023/03/01/gary-lineker-denies-cookery-show-interest-17315714/[7] The Telegraph, "Rest is Football" - Gary Lineker's podcast journey, (2023) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tv-and-radio/2023/03/05/rest-football-gary-linekers-podcast-journey/[8] The Independent, "I felt they wanted me to leave" - Gary Lineker on Match of the Day departure, (2023) https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-lineker-match-of-the-day-exit-depression-b1970787.html

Gary Lineker, in his impending departure from Match of the Day, has expressed interest in various roles outside of sports commentary, including being a contestant on Big Brother and hosting cookery programs.
Despite developing a passion for cooking, Lineker has turned down offers for cookery shows, admitting his skills are not on par with established chefs like Sue Barker and David Gower in tennis and cricket.
The ex-footballer, despite exploring opportunities in reality television and cookery, will continue his focus on the "Rest is Football" podcast and remains linked with the BBC for their coverage of the 2025/26 FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup.
Reminiscing about his time with Match of the Day, Lineker admitted that he felt the BBC wanted him to step down last year, although he had not been officially confirmed to leave until recently.
The veteran commentator, Lineker, has denied interest in hosting cookery shows, citing his rejection of an offer for Big Brother due to budget constraints.
Apart from his broadcasting career and cooking pursuits, Lineker has felt a sense of longevity in his entertainment career, comparing his impact to that of Bob Wilson in football.
With the arrival of Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman as his replacements on Match of the Day, Lineker will end his 15-year tenure on the show at the season's close, but his sports commentary career, filled with Premier League football and collaborations with Barcelona, will continue in other capacities.

"Gary Lineker declines lucrative job offers in discussion about his exit from Match of the Day"