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      Meet ‘new Match of the Day host’ Kelly Cates, who is the daughter of a Liverpool icon and studied maths at university

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      KELLY CATES is reportedly set to quit Sky Sports and move to the BBC.The 49-year-old, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will reportedly share hosting duties of Match of the Day and MOTD 2 next season, when Gary Lineker stands down.Kelly Cates has built a stellar career in the media over the past 20 yearsCredit: HandoutCates is familiar to Sky Sports viewers as the host for Super SundayLiverpool legend Kelly Dalglish poses with his familyCredit: PA:Press AssociationCates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesday’s, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live.Read more football newsSky Sports bosses are reportedly sad to see her leave – but she was understood to be the BBC’s leading external candidate to take over from icon Lineker.It completes a remarkable journey for Cates, who has had an impressive rise in sports broadcasting.It was a role she had no intention of taking when she was at university studying maths!She comes from footballing royaltyKelly grew up with football around her.Most read in FootballIt was mum, Marina who would take her to games dad Kenny was playing in.”When I was a baby my mum took me to matches to watch my dad play,” she said in an interview with magazine When Saturday Comes.Kelly Cates on Super Sunday amid reports she’s leaving for BBC”I don’t remember a time when I didn’t go to football games – my earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ children.”However, that didn’t make Kelly a Liverpool fan.When her father moved to clubs, including Blackburn and Newcastle United as a manager, she hoped they did well – even against the Reds.Despite football being in her blood, she revealed she didn’t have as much of a flair for it as her famous father.She laughed: “I ran down the wing thinking ‘Oh, this will be easy’, tripped over and knocked myself out!”That was the end of my football career.”Thought of a different lifeAlthough she has become football broadcasting royalty, Cates nearly snubbed a chance to work in the game.At university being a sports TV presenter was far from her mind.She said: “I did a degree in maths but after I left university I wanted to do something different.When she was at university Cates studied mathsCredit: GettyHowever, when Sky Sports News launched she decided to give presenting a goCredit: PA:Press AssociationFather and daughter share a laugh during Sky Sports’ coverageCredit: PAread more sport features”The Sky Sports News channel was being launched and they were looking for young people who loved football.”It was new and no one was watching so they pretty much said to us: ‘Go and play at being on the telly!”‘Family came firstSince the Millennium, Cates’ career rise has followed a steep trajectory.She initially left Sky Sports in 2016, after wanting to start a family with then fiancé Tom Cates, who she shares two children with.”I left Sky Sports News in 2006, after the Germany World Cup,” she told The Overlap’s ‘Not Just Football’ podcast back in October.”I’d been there for eight years and I had just turned 30, or I was just turning 31. I was engaged, but not yet married. I knew I wanted to have children quite soon at that point.”It had just been, for a long time, kind of filtering away and running in the back of my head. I came to the end of my contract and was working under my new contract and within the space of about three days, made the decision.Kelly got married to Tom Cates in 2007, although they divorced in 2021Credit: Luke InmanCates has worked at ESPN, ITV, Setanta Sports and more through the years tooCredit: Getty”I was driving into work one day, I walked in and I said, ‘I don’t want to sign this new contract, I want to go!’ I had nothing to go to.”I just walked away, but I was so sure that I had to go and make that change. I did it when I left university to go to Sky, which is different, because then you get something that’s really exciting, shiny and new, dangled in front of you and you think, ‘I’m going to take this jump'”.Cates got married in 2007, although they sadly divorced in 2021.That same year she began a job at the now defunct Setanta Sports – bouncing around jobs at ESPN, ITV, and STV.However, in 2016 she made her return back to Sky Sports – feeling she had unfinished business.Initially, she fronted their EFL coverage before becoming the main anchor for the Premier League.Cates has been a huge success for the channel, alongside Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.Who can forget when she hilariously turned her back on them, after they turned their back on her during a segment that went wrong.READ MORE SUN STORIESSky’s loss is BBC’s gain, as Kelly will divide her time between MOTD and her role working for Radio 5 Live.It could be a match made in heaven.Kelly will divide her time between MOTD and BBC Radio 5 LiveCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSky’s loss will be BBC’s gain – as Super Sunday will need a new hostCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Who is Kelly Cates? Sky Sports host rumoured to be joining Match of the Day

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      KELLY Cates is a trailblazing British sports broadcaster who has paved the way for women in the predominantly masculine world of football coverage.Reports have emerged that she is set to quit her job at Sky Sports and take on a new role hosting Match of the Day.Kelly Cates is a leading sports broadcaster who has worked on both TV and radioCredit: Getty – ContributorShe reportedly joining the Match of the Day team following the departure of Gary Lineker, who started hosting the show in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdWho is Kelly Cates?Kelly Cates was born in Glasgow, Scotland on September 28, 1975.She is the daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish and has established herself as a respected figure in sports journalism.Kelly was married to Tom Cates between 2007 and 2021, with the couple sharing two daughters together.Broadcasting careerThroughout her career, she has worked for various networks and covered numerous high-profile events.read more on kelly catesShe’s been on BBC Radio 5 Live since 2013, presenting iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sundays up until 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role on the BBC was reduced, but Kelly returned to host midweek sports show 5 Live Sport, while also providing coverage for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.History-makerShe made history as the first female presenter on talkSPORT.Kelly has also presented ITV’s World Cup and Channel 4’s Paralympic Games coverage.Most read in FootballHer versatility as a broadcaster is evident in her work across television and radio platforms.Beyond her broadcasting career, she is known for her involvement in charitable work, serving as an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and Unicef.I was driving into work and decided not to sign my Sky Sports contract – it’s the scariest decision I ever madeMatch of the DayIn mid-December 2024, reports emerged claiming Kelly is set to make a significant career move.She is reportedly set to join the BBC’s Match of the Day team following the departure of longtime host Gary Lineker, who started hosting the show in 1999.The former Spurs and Barcelona striker became one of the best and most-loved sports broadcasters in the country. It is understood that the move would see Kelly leave her current position at Sky Sports to team up with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman on Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2.The three presenters would share hosting responsibilities on a rotating basis, it’s understood.If confirmed, the change would mark a new era for the staple English football highlights show, which was hosted by Gary for 25 years.Sky Sports bosses are reportedly sad to see Kelly leave her roles at the broadcasting giant. More

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      Kelly Cates in awkward TV appearance moments after it is revealed she is ‘quitting Sky to become BBC MOTD host’

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      KELLY CATES made her first TV appearance since reports emerged she is leaving Sky Sports to join the BBC and Match of The Day. The presenter awkwardly hosted Super Sunday ahead of Crystal Palace’s trip to Brighton and the Manchester derby. Kelly Cates made her first TV appearance since reports emerged she is leaving Sky Sports to join the BBCCates was joined by Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Micah Richards from the studio at the Etihad. But it has emerged that Cates could soon be working alongside Richards – also a pundit for the BBC – even more amid a MOTD shake-up. Host Gary Lineker is to leave his lead position after 26 years with Cates one of three names set to replace the England legend. According to the Daily Mail, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will share hosting duties on Match of the Day and MOTD2 with Cates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth are BBC presenters who have worked on the shows over the last few years.Cates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesday’s, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live.Sky Sports bosses are reportedly sad to see her leave – but she was understood to be the BBC’s leading external candidate to take over from icon Lineker.Lineker started hosting Match of the Day in 1999 and the former Barcelona striker developed into one of the best sports broadcasters in the country. He will continue to present FA Cup matches next season before bowing out with the 2026 World Cup in North America.Alan Shearer in the dark on Gary Lineker’s MOTD replacement, but reveals why he doesn’t want to know who’s coming in More

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      Kelly Cates ‘to QUIT Sky Sports to become one of THREE new Match of the Day hosts’ in huge BBC shake-up

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      KELLY CATES is set to QUIT her Sky Sports role to become a host on Match of the Day, according to reports.She will become one of three presenters on the country’s flagship football show after Gary Lineker steps down at the end of the season, report the Daily Mail.Kelly Cates will be a presenter on Match of the DayCredit: GettyGabby Logan will share hosting duties on Match of the DayCredit: RexCurrent MOTD 2 presenter Mark Chapman will continue in his role and host MOTDCredit: PACates has worked as a presenter on Sky Sports since 2016Credit: GettyShe has presented flagship shows including Super SundayIt is believed Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will share hosting duties on Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 with Cates.Both are BBC presenters who have worked on the shows over the last few years.Cates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host a midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesdays, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live and Super Sunday, which she appeared on for the Manchester Derby today.Sky Sports bosses are reportedly sad to see her leave – but she was understood to be the BBC’s leading external candidate to take over from icon Lineker.Logan and Chapman, who have worked for the BBC for several years including on Match of the Day, both received public backing for the role of host.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIconic TV host Lorraine Kelly put Logan’s name forward, saying: “While his [Gary’s] replacement has not yet been announced it’s been suggested a woman could be taking over.”With Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Laura Woods among the favourites.Gary Neville TOLD OFF live on Sky Sports by host Kelly Cates after he refuses to answer her Man Utd question”Can I just put out there – no disrespect to the other two – but Gabby Logan would be a-ma-zing.”She is fantastic, she makes it look easy, she knows everything about everything and she’s wonderful.”While Ally McCoist recommended ‘Chappers’, saying: “Yeah, I was about to say the same thing. I feel it’s an iconic show and you’re used to seeing one person.”I want to go and see one person, whether that be Chappers or that be Kelly [Somers]. I know both of them, great, great people.”SunSport has contacted Sky Sports and the BBC for comment. More

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      Alan Shearer in the dark on Gary Lineker’s MOTD replacement, but reveals why he doesn’t want to know who’s coming in

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      ALAN SHEARER remains in the dark over who will replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day.But he revealed that is just the way he wants it.Alan Shearer had his say on the future of Match of the DayCredit: BBCThe Premier League’s record goalscorer has no plans on leaving like Gary Lineker or Ian WrightCredit: SunSport / BetfairLineker, 64, confirmed he will finish presenting the Premier League highlights show at the end of the season.And No1 pundit Shearer still has no idea who the BBC plan to bring into the hot seat with Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Kelly Somers among the bookies’ favourites.But the Premier League record goalscorer and Betfair ambassador hinted at one name who could be the obvious choice  – and confirmed one man who definitely will not be taking over.Shearer, 54, told SunSport: “I haven’t got a clue what’s going to happen, who will present. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Mark Chapman does Match of the Day 2, so I don’t know whether that means he’ll come into Match of the Day or not. “I haven’t got a clue. I probably don’t want to know because I wouldn’t want to lie to people when they ask me. It’s probably best that I don’t know.”SunSport revealed the Beeb want to introduce a job share in a major shake-up – but Chapman is understood to be refusing the idea. Asked if he could be the next presenter, Shearer quickly ruled himself out of the running.Most read in FootballThe Newcastle legend said: “I’m not planning to go anywhere soon but no [don’t want to be the presenter]. I enjoy the punditry side of it. “I don’t know whether you saw it, I did it, I opened the show a couple of weeks ago and I only had eight words to do and I was sweating then. No, they’ll get someone else.”Watch Alan Shearer’s cheeky pitch to be new Match of the Day host in first show since Gary Lineker exit confirmedLineker started hosting Match of the Day all the way back in 1999 and the former Barcelona and England striker has developed into one of the best sports broadcasters in the country. He will continue to present FA Cup matches next season before bowing out with the 2026 World Cup in North America.Shearer is desperate for their swansong together to end with a major trophy for the Three Lions.But he insists nothing has changed on Saturdays since news of Lineker’s departure has become public – although thankfully for the presenter, Shearer was not on this weekend’s show as Newcastle stuffed Leicester 4-0. Shearer, who is also part of the Rest Is Football alongside Lineker, added: “It’s been as it was. There’s been no change. I think it’s fine that it’s out. It’s better for everyone. “Gary’s been an amazing presenter for so long and still is. Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment.“I think it’s good that he’s going out on a high in terms of the World Cup. To go out and finish in America, that’s without a doubt going on a high. “Thomas Tuchel’s ultimately been hired with the objective of winning it and that would be pretty special. “We’ll just enjoy the rest of the season. We always have a laugh and a joke on a Saturday, whether it’s about his team Leicester or Newcastle or whoever it may be and I think it’s really important that that will carry on. “He’s done it for so long – 25 years will be his legacy of presenting the iconic football programme. “I watched it every single week in my youth with my mum and dad. Then for me to play professional football and be on it, and then for me to sit on it, I’m lucky to be a part of Match of the Day for as long as I have been. READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’ll be 20 years next year for me. So it’s been amazing. It’s a great show and still has the biggest numbers. And that iconic theme music never gets old, does it?”Don’t miss Alan Shearer vs Rachael Blackmore in Betfair’s Christmas Quizzing… Only Bettor, streamed live on Friday 20 DecemberLineker will leave the highlights show at the end of this seasonCredit: BBCShearer is approaching 20 years on MOTD – but ruled himself out of being the hostCredit: PAMark Chapman is among the favourites to take over from Lineker for the 2025-26 seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Gary Lineker told ‘you do know you worked for the BBC for 30 years?’ as he jokes ‘it’s pointless them sacking me now’

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      GARY LINEKER joked “it’s pointless them sacking me now” as Micah Richards poked fun at the BBC stalwart.Lineker, 64, announced last month that he will be quitting Match of the Day at the end of the season after 26 years as host.Gary Lineker is set to leave the BBC in 2026Credit: ReutersHe will continue presenting FA Cup action on the Beeb during the 2025-26 season, before leaving the broadcaster after the 2026 World Cup.During the latest episode of The Rest is Football, Lineker discussed watching the Champions League earlier this week.The former BT Sport anchor said: “I really do like this format. I sat last night and watched the first 20 minutes of City, the second 25 minutes of Arsenal.”And then I put the Goals Show on, which is really good because because it’s a little bit like Soccer Saturday where they’re talking about the games but you actually see the action with it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So when the goals go in it’s quite good to keep across all of it. Then I’m constantly checking my phone for the league table and how it changes every few seconds.”It keeps it really interesting, every game’s big, every game’s really important.”Micah Richards cheekily replied: “I don’t think Jason Mohammad would be too happy with that, the BBC have a programme called Final Score Gary, you referenced…”Lineker then cut back in, as Shearer laughed: “Or Final Score.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRichards added: “You do know you worked for the BBC for 30 years, you know that?”Lineker replied: “In my defence, Micah, at that time of day I’m sitting in the office watching football, so I’ve never seen it.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day moments”But actually, I think Final Score’s a much better programme. But Final Score doesn’t need a lift up from me where that other show on Sky does, probably. You work for everybody, Micah!”Final Score came up later in the show, when Lineker referenced keeping up with Barcelona’s 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund.He said: “I watched quite a lot of that in the second half because it kept coming up on the Goals Show, which is actually nearly as good as Final Score.”Shearer then joked: “You’ll be getting an email!”Lineker added: “It’s pointless them sacking me now though isn’t it really, I’ve only got a few months left anyway.”The presenter recently revealed that he turned down an offer to go on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “My agent sent it through, and then jokingly he replied, ‘Oh, yes. Gary’s fee will be £50 million’.”Lineker then added: “He did it completely as a joke, obviously. And they came back said, ‘Oh, that’s a little bit…that’s not within our budget’.”Lineker, 64, has entered his final few months hosting Match of the DayCredit: PA More

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      Gary Lineker reveals he turned DOWN huge ITV show as he reveals salary demand for reality shows

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      SPORTS pundit Gary Lineker has revealed just how much a reality TV show might need to pay to entice him to take part.Speaking on YouTube for his podcast The Rest Is Football, he discussed with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer over what he would do if he ever gave up being a pundit for good.Sports presenter Gary Lineker revealed he would ‘never’ do a reality showCredit: ReutersGary revealed he’d been approached for Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: YouTube/The Rest Is FootballThe sports TV pundit revealed his agent joked that he would only take part in a reality show for £50mCredit: YouTube/The Rest Is FootballGary Lineker revealed: “Do you know last week I got requests to go on Celebrity Big Brother.”As his fellow podcasters laughed he then revealed his agent handled the enquiry, but outlined a major fee before Lineker would agree to be involved.Lineker continued: “My agent sent it through, and then jokingly he replied, ‘Oh, yes. Gary’s fee will be £50 million’.”He then added: “He did it completely as a joke, obviously. And they came back said, ‘Oh, that’s a little bit…that’s not within our budget’.”More on Gary LinekerAs Micah and Alan laughed along they joked that Gary would be getting more requests for shows now he’s stepping back from Match Of The Day, but he revealed a stint on a reality show is not likely.Gary explained: “I can tell you now, don’t bother asking.”Last month Gary revealed he will stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of this season.Yet as part of an 18-month contract extension – the 63-year-old will stay on to anchor the Corporation’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the next World Cup.Most read in CelebrityLineker, who will take a substantial pay cut, will have hosted MOTD for 25 years when he steps down from the show.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027The former England striker is understood to be on new terms, which will see his salary reduced significantly. He currently receives £1.35m, making him the highest paid broadcaster at the BBC.In November, a BBC source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day, and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.“But he has been at the helm since 1999, and by the time he leaves, he will have been at the Beeb for 30 years.“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.“It’s one of the industry’s worst kept secrets that the new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t exactly close. The former is very keen to make his mark by bringing in new faces, and slashing wage bills.“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with. “Gary is incredibly popular with both players and viewers, and news of his departure will send shockwaves around the Corporation. In other words, no-one is immune from change.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Gary will be 65 when he leaves; frankly, he isn’t getting younger and just feels the time is right to focus solely on his mogul interests outside the BBC – namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is becoming huge Stateside.”BBC execs, meanwhile, will be giving Match of the Day a reboot to keep it fresh in the wake of such a huge departure.”Gary is set to leave BBC’s Match Of The Day in 2026Credit: BBCThe sports pundit will continue to present FA Cup and 2026 World Cup coverageCredit: PA More

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      Dan Walker breaks silence on Match Of The Day talks after becoming new favourite to replace Gary Lineker

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      THE race for Gary Lineker’s job presenting Match Of The Day is gathering pace.But his hotly tipped replacement, Dan Walker, who has returned to football programming for Prime Video, insists there’s only one of Gary’s jobs he fancies – being the face of Walkers crisps.Dan Walker has broken his silence on Match Of The Day talks after becoming a new favourite to replace Gary LinekerCredit: SplashGary, 63, revealed in November he will leave the programme at the end of the seasonCredit: X @BBCMOTDAsked about the rumours he’s in line for the BBC One’s flagship show at the TRIC Christmas lunch, former Football Focus host Dan said: “Match Of The Day is a brilliant programme and I love it and I’m going to cover football now.“But If there’s something Gary’s got that I would like, it’d be his crisp contract.“Because, you know, my surname, it couldn’t be any better, could it?”Gary, 63, revealed in November he will leave the programme at the end of the season after 25 years as host.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERA number of names have been linked with the vacancy including Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Kelly Somers.Regular Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards are also in the frame.Recent data showed Shearer to be the viewers’ preference to succeed Lineker.But it appears ex-Manchester City right-back Richards, 36, has been dismissed by Lineker.Most read in FootballSpeaking on The Rest Is Football, Richards attempted to rule himself out of the running.He said: “You know what, can I just get this out there, right.Dan Walker reveals snow disaster as he’s forced to abandon car”When people are saying Micah Richards is potentially going to take over a presenter, I think it’s a massive disrespect to all the presenters out there. There’s so many talented people.”Just because I’m a pundit, I can give insight to a player, I feel I know the game, I watch tactics.””But to take over presenting one of the most iconic shows, not just in sport, but that BBC’s ever had?”He then went on to add: “There’s so many others they can pick over me, I just can’t believe they would even put my name in the hat.”Lineker then playfully put Richards in his place by insisting there was no chance of him being chosen anyway.He said: “Micah, you can totally relax. I can assure you they won’t be asking you.”Chapman remains the favourite to replace Lineker.JILLY: I’M HOT FOR RIVALS 2IF THE raunchy action in Rutshire left you gagging for more Rivals, then Disney+ has an early Christmas present for you.Confirming my TV Biz exclusive, the streamer has said that a second series is on the way after the cliffhanger ending of the first.While it isn’t yet certain that David Tennant, Victoria Smurfit and Aidan Turner will return to their roles, writer Jilly Cooper, whose novel the series is based on, is thrilled at the news.Yesterday, she said: “Nearly 40 years after my novel Rivals was published, I’ve adored seeing the world fall in love with my beloved characters – Rutshire’s finest.“I’m orgasmic with excitement and cannot wait for the return of my superhero Rupert Campbell-Black and the rest of the characters in season two.”Well, that’s all just jolly super, isn’t it.IT’S WHO DARES WINGSThe nightclubs of London’s Soho in 1918 are brought alive to eye-popping effect in shots from upcoming BBC One drama Dope GirlsCredit: Sanne GaultThe series lifts the lid on a moment of sexual liberation, decadence and often intoxicating glamour as women took matters into their own handsCredit: © 2023 Sony Pictures TelevisionWHO would have thought you’d see such daring outfits just after World War One?The nightclubs of London’s Soho in 1918 are brought alive to eye-popping effect in these shots from upcoming BBC One drama Dope Girls.The series lifts the lid on a moment of sexual liberation, decadence and often intoxicating glamour as women took matters into their own hands to earn themselves a living.Single mother Kate Galloway, played by Julianne Nicholson, is at the centre of the capital’s exploding club scene as she sets up a nightspot to provide for her daughter Evie, and enters into a life of criminal activities under the nose of the police.Eliza Scanlen plays Violet Davies, one of the country’s first wave of female police officers, who is assigned to go undercover at the club and investigate the illicit goings-on.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe women she runs into include ballsy Billie Cassidy (Umi Myers), a dazzlingly bohemian dancer.Take your seats, ladies and gents, and tune in next year.MURDER IN ROYAL CIRCLESTHE makers of The Crown have landed their next royal project, The Lady.The four-part drama for ITV will tell the story of Jane Andrews, the Duchess of York’s former aide who was convicted of murder.With filming to begin next year in Grimsby and London, it will chart the rise and fall of Jane, who landed the plum role as the royal’s dresser after answering an advert in magazine The Lady.Her fall from grace began when she lost her job and fell in love with businessman Thomas Cressman, who she was later convicted of killing.Sian McWilliams, of production company Left Bank Pictures, said: “The Lady deftly explore the tragic series of events and poses the question – who is the real Jane Andrews?” More