Gary Lineker has revealed that he turned down a reality show offer after confirming Match of the Day exit, with a “joke” appearance fee demand made.
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Stepping down as MOTD host after 25 yearsReady to embrace a new challengeWill not be entering the Big Brother houseFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The former England international will be stepping down as host of the BBC’s flagship Premier League highlights show at the end of the current campaign – having spent 25 years filling that seat. The 64-year-old is ready to embrace new challenges, having already branched out into the world of podcasts.
AdvertisementGettyTHE GOSSIP
With it announced that he will be severing ties with the BBC, rival broadcasters have been making a play for Lineker. ITV – who recently paid Coleen Rooney a reported £1.5 million to appear on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here – were keen to make a notable booking for their 2025 instalment of Celebrity Big Brother.
WHAT LINEKER SAID
Lineker has told podcast of how his representative responded to that approach: "My agent sent it through, and then jokingly he replied, ‘Oh, yes. Gary's fee will be £50 million!’ 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’.”
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Quizzed on whether he may be tempted to enter the Big Brother house at some stage in the near future, Lineker added: “I can tell you now, don't bother asking.”
