Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker has been cut from a new BBC show
Jake Bayliss Sport Writer – U35s
10:01, 08 Dec 2025
Gary Lineker has reportedly been axed from a BBC show(Image: Robin Jones, Getty Images)
Gary Lineker has been removed from a new BBC programme, several months on from his controversial departure from the broadcaster. The 65-year-old had filmed a brief appearance for The Celebrity Apprentice, but his involvement has now been removed.
The former Match of the Day presenter stepped away from his position at the end of last season. Although he left Match of the Day, the former England international was still expected to lead the BBC’s coverage of this season’s FA Cup and the forthcoming World Cup.
These plans changed following Lineker’s controversial social media activity in May, which resulted in an early parting of ways with the BBC. However, he had already participated in filming The Celebrity Apprentice before his BBC exit.
The Sun reports that Lineker has been dropped from the charity episodes, which raise money for Children in Need. The football legend recorded a cameo for Lord Alan Sugar’s programme in March, two months before departing from Match of the Day and the BBC.
The celebrity participants were challenged to sell gingerbread biscuits, with Lineker among the notable stars brought in to help the teams. It is claimed that Lineker’s appearance was removed due to time constraints and only a limited number of celebrity cameos could be featured.
Lineker is claimed to have filmed his cameo months before leaving the BBC(Image: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)
When the programme was revealed last month, Lord Sugar’s aide Baroness Karren Brady said: “There are so many people that are coming to help us, and they’re coming because they love the show, they love the charity, and clearly they have a connection with the celebrities.
“So Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Robbie Williams. Piers Morgan – I don’t think we should forget that one. And Rylan Clark and Gary Lineker.”
Discussing the celebrity friends who stepped in to help the contestants, Lord Sugar said: “I was very impressed that they managed to call these people in, they are top names.
“The main thing is that these celebrities, and I have a lot of respect for them, is they give up three days of their busy time for this great cause, it’s the money that’s raised for Children in Need.”
Lineker has since enjoyed success with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on The Rest is Football(Image: Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
The two-part special starts airing on Monday, December 29, on BBC One, although Lineker won’t appear. However, the former Match of the Day presenter has thrived since leaving the BBC.
It was recently revealed that his Goalhanger podcast venture has secured an agreement with Netflix. The Rest is Football, which Lineker presents alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, will broadcast as a daily TV show on the streaming service during next summer’s World Cup.
