Gary Lineker tipped for huge deal with ITV with new headline game show based on hit format
The TV presenter was last on screens in May, following his exit from Match of the Day.
Gary Lineker could be back on TV screens sooner than some thought, with the TV presenter reportedly at the helm of a new game show for ITV.
The Box, an already popular series in Norway, sees a group of 12 celebrities placed in separate boxes, each armed with a challenge to complete.
The series has been described as mix of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here and SAS: Who Dares Wins, with ITV bosses said to be "really excited about it and believe they have finally found a worthy successor to Saturday Night Takeaway".
ITV declined to comment when approached by RadioTimes.com.
In May of this year, it was announced that Lineker would leave the BBC immediately after his final Match of the Day episode, following a controversial post was deemed antisemitic by various groups on social media.
The presenter had been due to step down from the BBC programme towards the end of May, but he had agreed to continue presenting live football for the BBC next season, including FA Cup matches and the 2026 World Cup, but this was halted.
In a statement, 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."
In an additional statement, Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.
"Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made."
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Authors
Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.
