Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates is set to lead a new three host lineup on Match of the Day from next season.
Cates, who is the daughter of Celtic and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, has been a presenter on Sky Sports since 2016 – and previously worked for talkSPORT and ESPN. However BBC bosses have identified the 49-year-old as their leading candidate to replace Gary Lineker in the role according to the Daily Mail, after the former England striker announced he’d be leaving after 26 years on the iconic highlights show last month.
According to reports it is expected that Cates will join fellow broadcasters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan in a new look presenting line-up, with hosting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 split between the trio. Chapman has presented Match of the Day 2 since 2013, whilst Logan is a regular presenter of live BBC coverage from major tournaments including World Cups and the European Championships.
Lineker, who has been the face of the iconic show for 25 years after taking over from Des Lynam in 1999, will continue to lead the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup next season and will also anchor their coverage of the 2026 World Cup, reports the Mirror – but will quit the BBC for good after the 2026 showcase.
Speaking about his decision to leave earlier this year, the 64-year-old said: “I feel this is now the right time. I think [with] the next [highlights] 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.”
Previously Chapman had backing from regular pundit Alan Shearer, who said: “Chappers does Match of the Day 2, so I guess if you’re looking at it logically, then he would have to have a real live chance of coming over to the Saturday, or doing both [shows]. I don’t know, though – I haven’t spoken to anyone about it. Whoever it is, they’ve got big shoes to fill obviously, but yeah, the show goes on. Someone will come in and present it and if it is Chappers then he will do a great job, I’m sure.”