The former Everton FC striker will front a new game show for the channel
Gary Lineker will front a new show for ITV
Gary Lineker will front a new show for ITV(Image: WireImage)
Gary Lineker has announced he will be fronting a new show for ITV. The Box is a new game show where 10 celebrity contestants will be housed in a yellow box. The stars will be transported to an unknown location, before being released to face whatever game awaits on the other side of the door.
ITV has teased episodes will see them face surprising reveals, unique games, and a compelling series arc - as each week two players will face The Duel, a dramatic show finale which will see the loser leaving the competition for good. The new series is based on a Norwegian television show, which has been a smash hit success since it launched on screens in January.
Former Everton FC striker Lineker can't wait for fans to seethe show, which will air in 2026. He said: "I’ve always felt right at home in the box on a football pitch and whilst this is a different proposition, the fundamentals are similar.
"The contestants will have to quickly and masterfully work out how each game works, whilst also trying to get ahead of the competition to take control. It's going to be unpredictable and thrilling to watch, and I’m excited that I get to have a front row seat to all the action!”
Director of entertainment, reality & daytime commissioning for ITV is thrilled that Lineker is on board. Katie Rawcliffe said: "Gary is the perfect fit for The Box, an entertaining, exhilarating and immersive new format.”
The career moves comes a few months after Lineker ended his time at the BBC sooner than anticipated. The 64-year-old announced he would be stepping away from his role fronting Match of the Day last November.
However, he was set to remaining with the broadcast to host FA Cup coverage and was set to front the coverage of the 2026 World Cup. But the former Barcelona player later announced in May he will step away from the BBC completely.
The announcement came after he “apologised unreservedly” for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted allegations of anti-Semitism which he denied.
In a statement issued at the time, Lineker said: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.
“I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.
“However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”
Lineker will be replaced on the upcoming season of Match of the Day by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan. Announcing the new line-up, BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski said: "I know viewers will love these three incredible broadcasters and journalists at the heart of our football coverage next season.
"They're brilliant at what they do and MOTD viewers can be sure they will be well looked after as the big football talking points are expertly analysed.
"Gary has done a phenomenal job at Match of the Day for the last 25 years, he'll be missed greatly and we all still get to enjoy him on our screens across some of football's greatest tournaments.
"Outside of Match of the Day we've got some great new shows, voices and surprises lined up for the 2025-26 season across audio, video and digital and we look forward to sharing them with you all later in the year.
"It's a truly exciting time for BBC Sport's football coverage."