Lineker will not host SPOTY on Tuesday (Image: Getty)
Gary Lineker will not be hosting the on Tuesday evening for the first time in over two decades.
has taken the reins of the show since 2001. However that he is set to quit the long-running football highlights show in November after 25 years at the helm, , who is reported to be on a staggering annual salary of £1.35m at the Beeb, also revealed he was to depart the sporting based awards show.
The annual ceremony recognises a UK-based athlete who has made the biggest impact in sport during the year, with the winner chosen by a public vote. A spokesperson said at the time of decision to quit MOTD: “After 23 years, last year’s 70th anniversary was his (Lineker’s) final show.”
Alex Scott, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan will take on hosting duties (Image: Getty)
The former England striker’s final appearance on the show saw him host alongside Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott. The trio will now take on presenting duties for Tuesday evening’s broadcast.
Despite Lineker departing MOTD and SPOTY (Sports Personality of the Year), the 63-year-old will still work with the at the 2026 men’s World Cup. He will also front the corporation’s coverage of next season’s FA Cup and continue on MOTD Top Ten podcast, as well as on The Rest is Football podcast with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, which will be hosted on Sounds.
Speaking on continuing to represent the in a minor capacity, Lineker said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”
Since his announcement, that Mark Chapman, Logan and Kelly Cates will step into the Match of the Day hosting role. It’s thought the three will take on presenting the show on a rotation basis.
England goalkeeper Mary Earps was crowned Sports Personality of the Year last year. This year’s frontrunner with the bookies is Olympic 800m .
Also in the mix are Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham, young darts sensation Luke Littler, England cricketer Joe Root, Para Cyclist Dame Sarah Storey and multi gold medalist triathlon star Alex Yee. There are eight categories overall with World Sport Star of the Year and Young Sports Personality of the Year also included.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of Sport said:”Once again, it’s been a nail-biting, thrilling and emotional year of amazing sport. From the Olympics to men’s Euros to records broken across the country and the world, we can’t wait to look back and enjoy it all over again. We were spoilt and it’s impossible to know who will receive the awards.”
The show will be held tonight on Tuesday 17 December 2024 and will be broadcast live from the home of Sport in MediaCity, Salford. The show will kick-off at 7pm on One.