Gary Lineker will not host BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Tuesday evening, marking the first time he has been absent from the prestigious ceremony in over two decades.
The Match of the Day presenter has been a fixture of the annual sports awards show since 2001.
The change comes following Lineker’s recent announcement that he will step down from Match of the Day after 25 years as the programme’s main host.
Lineker, who reportedly earns £1.35m annually at the BBC, confirmed his departure from both Match of the Day and Sports Personality of the Year in November.
Gary Lineker will not host BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Tuesday evening, marking the first time he has been absent from the prestigious ceremony in over two decades
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A BBC spokesperson said: “After 23 years, last year’s 70th anniversary was his final show.”
The annual ceremony recognises UK-based athletes who have made the biggest impact in sport during the year, with winners chosen by public vote.
Lineker’s final appearance on the show saw him hosting alongside Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott came last year, when Mary Earps secured the gong.
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Gary Lineker hosted BBC Sports Personality of the Year between 2001 and 2023
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This presenting trio will now take over the hosting duties for Tuesday evening’s broadcast.
The wider changes at the BBC will also see Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates rotating as presenters of Match of the Day following Lineker’s departure.
Despite departing from these flagship shows, Lineker will maintain ties with the BBC, continuing to work on their coverage of the 2026 men’s World Cup.
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He will also front the corporation’s FA Cup coverage next season and continue his work on Match of the Day Top Ten podcast.
Lineker will feature on The Rest is Football podcast with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, which will be hosted on BBC Sounds.
“I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen,” Lineker said.
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The ceremony will be broadcast live from MediaCity in Salford at 7pm on BBC One.
Olympic 800m gold medallist Hodgkinson is the favourite to win this year’s award.
Gary Lineker is leaving BBC Match of the Day at the end of the season
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Other nominees include Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, darts sensation Luke Littler, cricketer Joe Root, Para Cyclist Dame Sarah Storey and triathlon champion Alex Yee.
BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski said: “Once again, it’s been a nail-biting, thrilling and emotional year of amazing sport.”
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