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- Gary Lineker to leave the BBC this weekend, ending a 30-year broadcasting relationship.
- Bookmakers now price ITV and Soccer Aid roles as most likely next steps.
- Odds via William Hill, available at top UK betting sites.
Lineker Leaves BBC After Social Media Fallout But What Comes Next?
Gary Lineker will leave the BBC without a payoff this weekend, following growing pressure over a recent social media post with antisemitic connotations.
The presenter, long seen as the face of Match of the Day and BBC football, will not fulfil his scheduled roles at the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.
The shock exit ends a three-decade tenure, prompting a flurry of special betting markets with UK betting sites on where the ex-England striker may head next.
William Hill's betting market includes various odds on Lineker becoming a presenter on ITV in the future and different Reality TV appearances.
| Gary Lineker Specials | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Part of England’s 2026 Soccer Aid Coaching Staff | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Part of ITV’s World Cup 2026 Coverage Team | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| Host Own Football Show on ITV (Before end of 2026) | 7/2 | 22.2% |
| Host Own Football Show on Sky Sports (Before end of 2026) | 4/1 | 20.0% |
| Host Game Show on ITV (Before end of 2026) | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| Contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2025 | 6/1 | 14.3% |
| Contestant on Celebrity Big Brother 2026 | 7/1 | 12.5% |
| Contestant on Celebrity Traitors 2026 | 7/1 | 12.5% |
| Contestant on I’m A Celebrity 2025 | 8/1 | 11.1% |
| Back on BBC World Cup 2026 Coverage | 9/1 | 10.0% |
| Host MOTD in 2025/26 Season | 12/1 | 7.7% |
| Permanent MOTD Host 2026/27 Season | 20/1 | 4.8% |
| Appointed Leicester City Manager by August 2025 | 66/1 | 1.5% |
| Next Labour Leader After Keir Starmer | 80/1 | 1.2% |
What the expert says...
ITV & Soccer Aid Appear Most Likely Destinations
Lineker’s most plausible next moves lie with ITV, where he could feature as part of the 2026 World Cup coverage (3/1) or front a new football programme (7/2).
A coaching role at Soccer Aid (2/1) is currently the most likely and would offer a light-hearted return to screens alongside his long-time friends and ex-teammates.
Outsider in the market is for him to step into politics and become the leader of the Labour party after Keir Starmer.
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Entertainment TV Specials: Strictly, Traitors & More
Bookies also see Strictly Come Dancing (6/1), Celebrity Traitors (7/1), and even a spot on I'm A Celebrity (8/1) as possible paths for the newly freelance broadcaster.
While a return to the BBC seems unlikely at this stage (9/1 for World Cup coverage), many aren’t fully ruling out a comeback story.
Entertainment Betting Sites: Best Bookmakers Compared on Reality TV, Entertainment and Novelty Bets
Where to Bet on Lineker Specials
Markets on celebrity specials, TV comebacks, and media moves are live now at UK betting sites with William Hill having the Lineker specials market.
New users can also claim free bets ahead of the summer’s biggest reality and sports TV events.
See our guide to the best entertainment betting sites for more specials markets.
