Gary Lineker, 64, lands new job ahead of BBC Match of the Day departure
Gary Lineker is set to appear on a new ITV show called “Assembly” where he will face his “most honest interview yet”.
The former England striker will field questions from people who are neurodivergent, autistic and/or learning disabled.
This comes as Lineker’s 25-year stint as Match of the Day host will end this summer.
The move to ITV won’t see him heading up their football coverage, but rather participating as the first confirmed celebrity guest on this new format.
ITV has previously tried to acquire Lineker’s services, once offering him a chance to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.
An ITV statement described the show’s approach: “Carefully considered PR fluff won’t cut it on this show. And the celebrities can expect plenty of mischief and surprises once they get in the hotseat.”
After his football and broadcasting career, there’s “no end to the stories that Lineker might share” on the programme.
Lineker will appear alongside other celebrities including former Doctor Who star David Tennant.
Little Mix’s Jade Thirwall and actor Danny Dyer are also set to feature on the show.
During a recent episode of The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker revealed ITV had previously invited him to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.
Lineker’s departure from Match of the Day will mark the end of a 25-year run on the iconic football programme.
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However, he won’t be leaving the BBC entirely straight away.
He will continue to present the broadcaster’s FA Cup coverage for the 2025/26 season.
Lineker will also front the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup, which will take place across Canada, Mexico and the USA.
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His time with the BBC will officially conclude after this tournament.
The broadcaster announced Lineker’s departure in December last year.
Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will take over the flagship football programme.
The veteran broadcasters will share hosting duties following Lineker’s exit.
During his podcast, Lineker jokingly revealed his agent once responded to a Celebrity Big Brother invitation with a £50 million fee request.
ITV reportedly responded that this was “not within our budget”.