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      Gary Lineker’s replacement for BBC’s World Cup 2026 coverage with three names leading the race

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      GARY LINEKER’S departure from the BBC leaves three names leading the race to host the 2026 World Cup coverage. The former England striker is bowing out by mutual agreement after 26 years with his final Match of the Day this Sunday.Gary Lineker is leaving the BBCCredit: GettyIt comes in the wake of an antisemitism row which saw Lineker apologise for sharing a controversial post.Lineker, 64, faced a huge backlash after he reposted a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.He had been due to host the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup – but now a replacement will need to be found. Here, SunSport look at the most likely candidates primed to fill Lineker’s boots. READ MORE IN football Gabby LoganLogan will be one of three favourites to replace Lineker, alongside Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates who are sharing the roles of new MOTD hosts. Presenter Logan has worked on World Cup and European Championships for the Beeb in the past – alternating with Lineker. Gabby Logan is one of three replacing MOTD host Gary LinekerCredit: AlamyMark ChapmanChapman long anchored MOTD 2 before accepting the gig to share the role as Lineker’s replacement.He has also presented coverage of World Cup and Euros for the BBC previously. Most read in FootballMark Chapman is sharing MOTD duties after Lineker’s exitCredit: GettyKelly CatesCates – daughter to Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish – is due to leave Sky Sports for the BBC when she takes over from Lineker. She has worked on World Cup and Euro competitions before on radio but not yet in a TV role.Kelly Cates will leave Sky Sports for the BBCCredit: GettyAlex ScottFormer Arsenal star Scott has carved out a successful punditry career since retiring from playing in 2017. She has worked on BBC TV before on Football Focus, MOTD and the World Cup – becoming the first female pundit to do so for the Beeb. Alex Scott has carved out a successful punditry career since retiring in 2017Credit: GettyReshmin ChowdhuryChowdhury has had a storied broadcasting career, working for the likes of Real Madrid TV, BT (now TNT) Sport and Eurosport. She has also hosted World Cup coverage for the BBC – working for BeIN Sports in the Middle East in 2022. Reshmin Chowdhury presents for TNT SportsCredit: AlamyManish BhasinBhasin first joined the BBC in 2004 and has worked on several shows including Football Focus, The Football League Show and Late Kick Off.He has also hosted MOTD 2 in the absence of Chapman before and worked on the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Euros.Manish Bhasin has worked at the BBC since 2004Credit: Getty Images – GettyLineker has been the face of BBC football since 1999.And he climbed to ladder to become the Beeb’s highest-paid presenter – despite taking a voluntary pay cut of 23% in 2020 to earn  £1.3million.But Lineker has caused controversy away from the camera for his outspoken political views. In 2023 he was temporarily removed from MOTD after likening the then-Tory government’s asylum policy to rhetoric of Nazi Germany.His co-presenters Alan Shearer and Ian Wright then boycotted the show and it went ahead without post-match analysis.Read More on The SunLineker’s most recent antisemitism row led to the ex-Barcelona star apologising on Instagram. But SunSport understands Lineker agreed to leave the BBC for good after meeting bosses last week — with a source saying he realised his position was untenable.Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney’s managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechless More

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      Gary Lineker QUITS BBC and will not front its 2026 World Cup coverage after explosive anti-Semitism row

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      GARY Lineker will today announce he is leaving the BBC and will not front the 2026 World Cup following an antisemitism row.The former Leicester City and England striker is bowing out by mutual agreement after 26 years with his final Match of the Day this Sunday.Gary Lineker will announce he is leaving the BBCCredit: SplashA source said: ‘It is an absolutely heart-breaking end to what has been an extraordinary broadcasting career’Credit: GettyA source told The Sun: “It is a heartbreaking end to an extraordinary broadcasting career.”Gary agreed to leave the BBC for good after meeting bosses last week — with a source saying he realised his position was untenable.The Match of the Day host’s early departure comes five days after he apologised for sharing a controversial post which saw him accused of antisemitism.Ex-England striker Gary, 64, faced a huge backlash after he reposted a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERHe had been due to host the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup but will instead bow out this Sunday.The source said: “Gary acknowledged his position at the BBC, anchoring the most prestigious ­tournament in world football, was untenable, and he will not be hosting the World Cup.“He offered to step down at the end of the season, and did not want the BBC — an organisation he still holds in the highest of esteem — dragged into any further controversy.“He remains absolutely devastated by the recent turn of events and is deeply regretful about how his post was interpreted. His last Match of the Day will air on Sunday now and he won’t be back.”Most read in FootballThe ex-Tottenham, Everton and Leicester City striker steps back after 26 years with the broadcaster, where he was its highest-paid ­presenter on £1.35million a year.His final years as MOTD host have been marred by his outspoken views and fallouts with bosses.He is now likely to focus on his successful Goalhanger Podcasts business.Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney’s managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechlessAnd those close to the star said his exit means he will be able to speak more freely.They added: “Gary remains passionate about speaking out over perceived injustices in the world, and will continue to call out things that he believes to be wrong.“He will be able to speak without the shackles of the non-partisan BBC, and has already had a lot of TV offers to mull over.“And, of course, he will be cheering on England like any other fan this summer.”Last Tuesday Gary deleted an Instagram story post from the group Palestine Lobby after he had shared it with his 1.2million followers.The re-post led to widespread calls for the BBC to drop Gary and the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism said it was submitting a complaint to the corporation.HATE ROW APOLOGYIn a statement that day Gary’s agent said: “Whilst viewing and reposting a video, Gary did not notice a rodent emoticon added by the author of the post.“Although if he had, he would not have made any connection. The repost has been removed.”On Wednesday Gary apologised and said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.“I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.“The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.The presenter will confirm his last Match of The Day will be on SundayCredit: GettyA young Gary presenting Match of the Day in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd“Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters. “I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.”BBC Director General Tim Davie addressed the backlash the same day, saying: “The BBC’s ­reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.“And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”Last October The Sun revealed that Gary would quit Match of the Day at the end of this season — but anchor the BBC’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the World Cup.He previously clashed with bosses for pushing the BBC’s impartiality rules but has staunchly defended using social media to speak out.The BBC’s ­reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.BBC boss Tim DavieLast month he was asked by the BBC’s Amol Rajan whether it was within his remit to give a view on Middle East politics.Gary said: “I’m sorry. It’s more important than the BBC. What’s going on there (Gaza) is the mass murder of thousands of children — probably something that we should have a little opinion on.”In 2023 he was temporarily removed from MOTD after likening the then-Tory government’s asylum policy to rhetoric of Nazi Germany.His co-presenters Alan Shearer and Ian Wright then boycotted the show and it went ahead without post-match analysis.The former England captain presenting the BBC’s World Cup 2002 coverageCredit: BBCGary said of his colleagues’ support: “I had a tear in my eye. It just moved me, it was beautiful. It’s one thing saying that in a moment, but then actually to carry that through, they didn’t need to do that.”Six months later the BBC published rules for its presenters which said they would be “allowed to express views on issues and policies but stop short of political campaigning”.Gary responded by saying the rules were “all very sensible.”He has previously said he believes the BBC wanted him to leave MOTD when he was negotiating a new contract last year.Gary said then: “I think it was their preference that I didn’t do it for one more year, so they could bring in new people.”Read More on The SunMark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan take over next season.Gary’s replacement as World Cup host is expected to be announced shortly.Gary stripped down to his boxers live on air when Leicester won the Premier League in 2016Credit: PA:Press AssociationBBC boss Tim Davie said: ‘I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that’Credit: GettyFootie fun ‘N’ Foxes’ pantsBy Andy Robinson GARY Lineker’s 26 years at the BBC have seen him become one of our most popular footie presenters.He began as a pundit on Radio 5 Live before replacing Des Lynam on Match of the Day.He kicked off in 1999 saying: “Eh, tell you what. Football’s back. Any good? Have I got the job?”Gary’s most memorable moment came after he vowed to host in “just his undies” if his former side Leicester City won the Premier League.He stayed true to his word after the Foxes’ fairytale triumph in 2015-16 — though he ranked appearing in his boxers his “least favourite” MOTD moment.His favourite was the last day of Leicester’s title season.Gary also presented their FA Cup triumph in 2021, saying: “They are two things I thought I would never witness in my lifetime. They were my special ones.”In 2019 fans were left laughing when he mocked bald pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy’s ­analysis of a “hair-raising” start to the season.Gary, Dion Dublin and Ian Wright also raised a smile by mimicking Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette’s scream picked up by microphones after he was fouled in a match during crowdless Covid.In 2023 Gary struggled to keep a straight face as pranksters played sex sounds from a phone hidden in the BBC studio.He has also presented for Al Jazeera, NBC and BT Sport who may seek his services once again. More

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      Gary Lineker returns to BBC for first time since post likening supporters of Israel to rats as host fronts FA Cup final

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      GARY Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since being accused of sharing a “anti-Semitic” post.The outgoing Match of the Day host sparked fury over the Instagram upload, which has since been deleted.Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since his postCredit: GettyHe presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley todayLineker has “apologised unreservedly” after sharing the pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats.A rat has been used as an anti-Semitic insult referring to language used by Nazi Germany to characterise Jewish people.The rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza with the caption “Zionism explained in two minutes.”In a statement, Lineker said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.”I very much regret these references.”I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.”The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.”Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters.Most read in Football”I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.”It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”Gary Lineker gets a grilling over Maradonna’s infamous hand of God goal in hilarious new The Assembly teaserLast November Lineker announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day.The former England and Barcelona striker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25.But he will still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.And Lineker returned to TV screens this afternoon for the first time since the row erupted.He presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley.Lineker appeared alongside Wayne Rooney.But a source said: “He is hosting the Cup final this weekend but beyond that we don’t know at this stage.”Staff are annoyed with him after this week — and he is annoyed with himself too.”This comes after the director general of the BBC said people need to follow the broadcaster’s social media rules when asked about the row involving the Lineker post.Tim Davie, after giving a wide-ranging speech, speaking of trust, disinformation and impartiality, was asked if Lineker had broken the BBC’s rules.Speaking at The Lowry arts centre in Salford, Mr Davie said: “The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.”And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”Lineker’s agent told the BBC the presenter immediately deleted the post when he learned about the image’s symbolism, which he had previously not appreciated.Meanwhile, earlier this week Lineker fired savage digs at the new BBC boss as the ex-footballer revealed why he left Match of the Day.The TV veteran slammed BBC’s new director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, claiming he “has no TV experience” in a brutal interview with The Telegraph.Lineker, 64, warned the BBC not to tamper too much with the iconic show, saying: “He has his reasons, he wants to change Match of the Day a bit.”Ultimately, I don’t think they will, because I don’t see how you move a highlights show away from being about highlights.”Lineker presented Match of the Day for a staggering 26 years.However, the 64-year-old claims that much has changed since the new BBC boss took charge last year.”I think he wants more journalists – he has come from that background,” Gary added.In March 2023 Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.He was also among 500 other high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC, to re-broadcast a documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, to BBC iPlayer.But the legendary footballer has vowed to steer clear of entering the world of politics when he does end his punditry career in 2026.He said previously: “I won’t get involved in politics, I never really have.”Apart from the Brexit vote, because I did a lot of research on that and decided, ‘This could be worse than we think’.”I never back a government. I might criticise Sir Keir Starmer on Israel. But nobody knows my politics.”Read More on The SunLineker is the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.He is being replaced as Match of the Day host by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman next season. More

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      Gary Lineker confirms punditry retirement date with legendary presenter just days away from last Match of the Day show

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      GARY LINEKER has put an expiration date on his career as a football presenter and pundit.Lineker, 64, already announced earlier this year that he would be leaving Match of the Day after 26 years in the presenter’s seat for the BBC.Gary Lineker has confirmed when he will step away from football punditryCredit: GettyThe former England and Barcelona striker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25. But will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and will also lead the coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.However, Lineker has revealed that he doesn’t think his punditry career will carry on past that summer – telling the Telegraph that he will call it a day after the tournament.He said: “Once I’ve done the World Cup, I won’t be a football presenter again. I’ll focus more on my podcast empire.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker co-owns a podcast production company called Goalhanger Productions, which has seen immense success since its inception in 2018.It is now the largest independent podcast producer outside of the US and has a number of top podcasts hosted by recognisable faces.Those include The Rest is Football, hosted by Lineker himself alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, as well as The Rest is Entertainment, a podcast hosted by TV icon Richard Osman and respected journalist Marina Hyde.While it is also the home of The Rest is Politics, one of the leading political podcast fronted up by Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker has been unapologetically vocal about politics in recent years and has even come in for criticism for a number of opinions.But the legendary footballer has vowed to steer clear of entering the world of politics when he does end his punditry career in 2026.’No offence lads’ – Gary Lineker gives no-nonsense Match of the Day verdict in savage goodnight messageHe added: “I won’t get involved in politics, I never really have. “Apart from the Brexit vote, because I did a lot of research on that and decided, ‘This could be worse than we think’.”I never back a government. I might criticise Sir Keir Starmer on Israel. But nobody knows my politics.”Lineker is being replaced as Match of the Day host by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman next season. More

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      Gary Lineker’s last ever Match of the Day appearance set to end on sour note for BBC legend

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      GARY LINEKER’S beloved Leicester City have inadvertently soured the BBC legend’s Match of the Day swansong. The former England striker is leaving his presenting role on the iconic BBC show after 26 years.Gary Lineker is leaving Match of the Day after presenting the show since 1999Credit: BBCOne of his final jobs on set will be reviewing his team Leicester’s relegationCredit: GettyLineker will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and the 64-year-old will also front coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.But he will be making his final appearance on the iconic highlights show on May 25 to wrap up the season’s final round of games. A Match of the Day tradition will see him end his final broadcast on a sour note.At the end of each season, the pundits conduct a final review of the Premier League table. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Lineker, a boyhood Foxes fans who spent the first seven years of his career at Filbert Street, will be forced to acknowledge Leicester’s immediate return to the Championship.The Foxes were relegated on April 20 and currently sit 19th in the table, with only Southampton behind.Lineker might have had plenty of time to process the relegation – but one of his final acts on MOTD will be announcing his side’s return to the Championship. Lineker has already presented his final Saturday night MOTD, with the Premier League’s final fixtures falling on a Sunday. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollowing a drab set of results, he quipped: “After 26 years of Saturday nights, I think that was probably one of the worst – no offence, lads.”Time to move on, I reckon. Goodbye!”Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about stayingThe Beeb announced in January that a new three-person presenting team would replace Lineker. Kelly Cates, 49, will be joined by Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Lineker said it had been a “joy and a privilege” to present Match of the Day for more than two decades.He added on The Rest Is Football podcast: “I feel this is now the right time [to leave].”I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”Lineker also confirmed he will not be heading to a rival broadcaster now he has left the BBC.Read More on The SunLineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.” More

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      ‘No offence lads’ – Gary Lineker gives no-nonsense Match of the Day verdict in savage goodnight message

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      GARY LINEKER issued a no-nonsense sign off on Match of the Day after a hapless round of Saturday Premier League fixtures.Southampton and Manchester City played out a drab goalless draw at St Mary’s, Everton won 3-1 at Fulham, Brighton prevailed 2-0 at Wolves, Brentford beat Ipswich 1-0 at Portman Road and 10-man Aston Villa picked up a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth.Gary Lineker issued a no-nonsense sign off on Match of the DayLineker blasted a hapless round of Saturday Premier League fixturesThe games left much to be desired and Lineker, 64, suggested the BBC found it hard to put together an exciting highlight reel.So much so that the famous presenter described Saturday’s action as “probably one of the worst”. Lineker issued the following savage verdict: “After 26 years of Saturday nights, I think that was probably one of the worst – no offence, lads.”Time to move on, I reckon. Goodbye!”Read More on FootballMatch of the Day shared a clip of that remark with the following caption: “No sugar-coating from @GaryLineker there.”Several football fans were left in stitches with that unique sign-off and took to social media.One fan tweeted: “The man Gary.”Another laughed: “Bahahahaha!”Most read in FootballA third commented: “Keepin’ it real, yess!”Wayne Rooney cracks up live on BBC Sport after Gary Lineker’s brutal Micah Richards gagAnd a further post read: “Straight shooter Gaz.”Lineker dropped that tongue-in-cheek statement in one of his last ever appearances on Match of the Day as he will step down as presenter in May after 26 years in the esteemed show.The former England international will also leave the BBC altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.The Leicester legend will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Lineker insists he will not be seen on any TV rival after leaving the Beeb and will instead be doing podcasts while also focusing on his personal life. More

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      ‘Not for £100million either’ – Gary Lineker reveals he turned down reality TV offer following Match of the Day exit

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed that he has turned down multiple reality TV shows since it was announced that he would be leaving the BBC. Lineker, 64, will step down from his post as host of Match of the Day at the end of the season. Lineker’s tenure as Match of the Day frontman is coming to an endCredit: BBCThe presenter has always made his political views public, sometimes to his detrimentHe will be replaced by the trio of Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman. He will, however, be kept on to lead the Beeb’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the US and Mexico. He will also continue to front the broadcaster’s FA Cup offerings. In an interview with The Times, Lineker admitted that he had several offers from reality TV shows to appear. Read more in FootballAccording to Lineker, the producers of Big Brother tapped up his agent to enquire about the former England striker’s interest in appearing on the programme. They were met with a £100million price tag, although Lineker revealed that he “wouldn’t have done it for £100million either,” with the sum being “a little over their budget”. In the interview, Lineker, who earned 80 caps for his country, scoring 48 goals, said that he had become quite the chef in his spare time. That had also led to offers from culinary shows. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe insisted: “I’ve actually been offered to do cookery programmes, 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 f***ing Ramsay.”Lineker believes that he is a better presenter now than he ever has been, with his podcast “The Rest is Football” helping him behind the microphone and in front of the camera.Lineker has been the subject of bids from several showsCredit: AlamyHowever, that venture did not help sway the BBC’s decision to keep him on. He said: “I think I’m a better presenter now than I’ve ever been.“I know everything that can go wrong, and everything that can go right. Which is a good time to go.“There wasn’t a great desire to give me another three-year contract.”Lineker got the Match of the Day gig in 1999, replacing Des Lynam in the hotseat.He was also the Beeb’s lead presenter for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and he was reported to be the corporation’s highest-paid presenter in July 2022. He was suspended from Match of the Day in 2023 for criticising the British government’s immigration policy on social media.  More

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      Jermaine Jenas was ‘prepared to be unhappy for the rest of his life’ to stay with wife before she divorced him

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      JERMAINE JENAS has admitted that he would have been willing to be “unhappy for the rest of his life” in order to stay with wife Ellie Penfold.Ellie announced her split with former Tottenham and England star Jenas in March.Jermaine Jenas and wife Ellie split up in MarchCredit: GettyJenas, 42, opened up on his break-up during a podcast appearanceCredit: YouTube/FILTHYFELLASTheir break-up came six months after Jenas was axed by the BBC following a sexting scandal.The 42-year-old was relieved of his services by the Beeb after being accused of sending X-rated texts to two female colleagues.Jenas, who has four children with Ellie, went on to admit to sending the messages, but stressed that the texts were consensual and that he had not broken the law.The former One Show host told The Sun that Ellie was “raging” following the allegations – but that he hoped to work through their issues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn March, however, Ellie took to Instagram to reveal that their marriage was over after 14 years.Jenas, who returned to punditry work with talkSPORT in February, has now opened up on his marriage ending during an appearance on the Filthy Fellas podcast.Speaking candidly about his break-up, Jenas said: “It was her decision and one that I had to accept.”If it was up to me – and I think a lot of men are like this – I’d probably be prepared to be unhappy for the rest of my life if [it meant] I had my kids in it. If I have my kids, I’m quite happy to sacrifice.”Most read in FootballThe former couple have four children togetherCredit: InstagramJenas then went on to add: “It’s a man thing. Relationships are what they are – they have highs, they have lows and people cheat – some people do, some people don’t, but you figure a lot of things out.”The reality is we both were in a position where we were like ‘are we really happy?’Jermaine Jenas says he’s ‘coming back a better person’ as he returns to talkSPORT after ‘inappropriate’ texts”From her side of things, she’d ran the course more than probably me. But I was much more happy to go ‘I’ll be unhappy if I can stay in this house with you and these kids’.”It wasn’t to be for her, so we went our separate ways and that is that.”Speaking frankly about the situation, Jenas said of why he and Ellie broke up: “The reality is, me and my wife haven’t split up because I sent some text messages to some people at work.”We had issues for a period of time, it all comes to a head and you eventually make a decision to say, as adults, we will be better parents for our children if we just remain friends and that’s it.’DRAGGED ME OUT THE GUTTER'”We had 16 amazing years together, me and my wife, how many people last that long? Sixteen years. Ups and downs. She caught the wrong end of my [playing] career, bless her.”She was the one that dragged me out of the gutter when my knee was hanging off, career done. She’s the one that picked me back up and gave me the belief and the strength to go ‘get yourself back out there, I believe in you’.”Upon his return to talkSPORT in February, Jenas vowed to learn from his mistakes.’WORK ON YOURSELF’The former Match of the Day pundit said: “The biggest thing in this whole situation is about taking responsibility and that has been at the forefront of my mind…”There’s a reason why you’re in this position and there’s a reason why this has happened.”Once you accept those things, then you can work on yourself and you can work on the other things and you can work on your family and work towards a brighter future.”Confirming their split a month later, Ellie wrote on Instagram: “I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it’s necessary.Read More on The Sun”After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways. We will remain friends and continue to co-parent.”We kindly ask that you respect our children’s privacy during this challenging time. Thank you, Ellie.”Jermaine and Ellie are hoping to remain friendsCredit: AlamyEllie confirmed their break-up on Instagram in MarchCredit: Instagram @elliejenas More