Match of the Day's new look as surprise Gary Lineker replacement and Roman Kemp role emerge

Match of the Day is a British institution but it could be very different for the 2025/26 season.

The BBC have already announced that host Gary Lineker will leave at the end of the current campaign. And while the channel has stopped short of naming his eventual successor, the search is already on.

A number of potential successors have been touted since Lineker’s exit was confirmed. The BBC have already seen a few of their plans hit with major blows.

Away from Lineker’s eventual successor, there could be even more changes behind the scenes at Match of the Day. So, what will it look like? Mirror Football has had a little look into the future to find out:

Lineker’s replacement

Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way first, the BBC have a huge job on their hands to replace the iconic Lineker. The former striker has spearheaded the show for 25 years after replacing Des Lynham.

A number of names have been backed to sit in the iconic chair. Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman immediately emerged as the favourite.

And while he remains among the frontrunners, the BBC’s plan to appoint him has been hit with a blow. It was previously reported that there were plans for him to share the role with Kelly Sommers only for Chapman to express his desire not to go down that avenue.

Other names to have been linked with the role include Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Jason Mohammed. A further surprise name has also emerged over recent days with reports suggesting that TNT Sports anchor Reshmin Chowdhury is among the contenders.

Ahead of a new presenter being appointed, Lineker has already shared his advice. He said: "Obviously I don't know who it'll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference. I don't think that'd be the right thing to do but whoever it is, I would say be yourself."

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

Who should be Gary Lineker's replacement? Share your thoughts in the comments below

‘Digital-first’

Away from Lineker’s replacement, the BBC are set to go in a slightly different direction with Match of the Day regardless. In an environment where most content is consumed online, the channel have vowed not to get left behind.

A source speaking to The Guardian said: “The BBC isn’t worrying about Match of the Day being less relevant because of how people consume modern media, there is actually an opportunity here to exploit that change. The show is still hugely popular and has been remarkably resilient, plus there are new digital opportunities – we’re not looking at retrenchment of the brand, but growth.”

As part of that move into a digital approach, The One Show host Roman Kemp could be in line for a pivotal role. It has been suggested that BBC director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, has lined up Kemp for a ‘digital role’.

It is unclear at this stage what that type of role would entail but it would be likely to involve a strong social media drive - Kemp’s strong presence invariably a draw. Match of the Day already have their own Instagram and TikTok accounts and they appear likely to be at the forefront of any digital evolution.

Pundits

While there is set to be an exit and an arrival when it comes to the presenters chair on Match of the Day, the same could be said when it comes to the pundits. Much-loved Ian Wright has already left and he was quickly replaced with the arrivals of former Premier League stars Joe Hart and Theo Walcott, while ex-England star Steph Houghton has also featured.

Micah Richards, Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy and Martin Keown are all expected to feature next season. Dion Dublin, Shay Given, Stephen Warnock, Leon Osman, Ashley Williams, Fara Williams, Glenn Murray and Troy Deeney all regularly appear on Match of the Day 2 so could remain next term.

There will likely be some changes ahead of the new season. But they will be kept under wraps for now.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

New look

As has become customary over the seasons, the iconic programme will undergo a few tweaks ahead of the new campaign. That will likely include new titles to feature those clubs promoted to the Premier League at the end of the current season.

And while the Match of the Day studio has kept the same template over the years, it could be set for a revamp ahead of the new season. So while Lineker’s replacement will be stepping into the former hosts’ chair, it will be a fresh seat.

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