Gary Lineker has revealed he has rejected multiple reality television show offers since his impending departure from the BBC was announced.
The 64-year-old presenter is set to step down from his primary hosting duties for Match of the Day at the close of the current season.
He will be replaced by a trio of presenters: Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman.
However, Lineker will remain with the BBC to lead their coverage of the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US and Mexico.
He is also confirmed to continue presenting the broadcaster’s FA Cup fixtures.
In an interview with The Times newspaper, Lineker confirmed that he had been approached by several reality TV programmes.
According to Lineker, producers from Big Brother contacted his agent to gauge the former England striker`s interest in appearing on the show.
His agent responded with a quoted fee of £100 million. Lineker, however, stated that he “wouldn’t have done it for £100million either,” adding that the sum was likely “a little over their budget.”
In the same interview, Lineker, who earned 80 caps for England and scored 48 goals, mentioned that he has become quite skilled in cooking during his leisure time.
This culinary pursuit also led to offers from various cookery-themed television shows.
He firmly stated regarding these offers: “I’ve actually been offered to do cookery programmes, but I don’t want to, because whilst I’m a very keen cook and I think I’m a good cook, I’m not Gordon f***ing Ramsay.”
Lineker feels he is a better presenter now than at any point in his career, suggesting that his podcast, “The Rest is Football,” has contributed positively to his skills both in audio and on-screen roles.
However, his perception of being at his peak didn`t influence the BBC`s decision regarding a new long-term contract for Match of the Day.
He commented: “I think I’m a better presenter now than I’ve ever been.
“I know everything that can go wrong, and everything that can go right. Which is a good time to go.
“There wasn’t a great desire to give me another three-year contract.”
Lineker originally took over the Match of the Day presenting role in 1999, succeeding Des Lynam.
He was also the BBC`s lead presenter for the 2012 Olympic Games held in London and was reported to be the corporation`s highest-paid presenter in July 2022.
He faced a temporary suspension from Match of the Day in 2023 following his public criticism of the British government’s immigration policy on social media platforms.
