The BBC have “created a monster” in Gary Lineker and could be replaced as one of their top presenters by next year, it has been claimed.
The former footballer and TV pundit’s future at the BBC is reportedly “up in the air”, with his contract due to expire in 2025. However, reports claim that a leaked email from the broadcaster “contained a drafted statement on Lineker’s potential departure”.
With Lineker earning millions each year from the broadcaster, speculation surrounding his job has been rife in recent months after controversies surrounding his outspoken social media posts.
Speaking to GB News, broadcaster Aidan Magee claimed that Lineker’s “contract is out”, but it “won’t be an easy gig” for the BBC to replace him.
Gary Lineker could be replaced on Match of the Day after 25 years,
PA
Magee explained: “He’s been doing it for 25 years, which I believe is longer than anybody else. It’s been successful and the ratings have been going upwards, which runs contrary to most of the other programs on the BBC.
“Terrestrial channels just get better ratings anyway, that’s just how things work because of the acts and because of the reach they have.”
In criticism of Lineker, Magee claimed that the broadcaster has “created a monster”, given his controversial remarks on his online platforms whilst being such a prolific presenter for the company.
Magee told GB News: “They created a monster with Gary Lineker. And I think what they probably do is they’ll rotate it next season if they do decide to replace him.
Gary Lineker has been a steadfast presenter for BBC’s Match of the Day for over 20 years
PA
“His contract is out, but he has a successful podcast he loves as well.”
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Suggesting what Lineker may go on to do next, Magee said the former footballer could present at “more live football matches”, or stay on at Match of the Day with a “reduced contract”.
Magee added: “I think they’ll give him the chance to maybe stay on, possibly on reduced contract terms. He has to travel to Manchester, so it’s not an easy gig to fill because there’s travel involved.
“But I think they’ll probably rotate, they’ll probably give him maybe a third of the shows or a quarter of the shows, and then rotate throughout the rest of the season.”
When asked if he believes Lineker will still be paid in the millions like he is already, Magee claimed that he would most likely “take a reduced fee”.
Aidan Magee said Lineker will be ‘hard to replace’ as presenter on Match of the Day
GB News
He said: “I don’t think he will be on the same money, he’ll probably take a reduced fee. It will still probably be very good value, and he has everything else, he’s made a load of money already, he’s got a big house in Barnes, what else do you need?”
Noting his tendencies to speak out on political issues via social media, Magee suggested that he was “strategic” with his “drift into politics”.
He added: “The drift into politics was strategic, there is no question about that. Somebody told him, in common with people like Carol Vorderman, told him to drift into this instead.”
In a statement, a spokesman for the BBC has said they have “nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract”.
They added: “He is under contract until the end of the season.”