Gary Lineker to Host ITV’s The Box in 2026

Gary Lineker, the former Match of the Day presenter, will host ITV's new celebrity game show 'The Box' after leaving the BBC in May, ending a 26-year tenure that was initially expected to continue until 2026. Lineker's departure followed backlash over a social media post criticized as antisemitic, for which he apologized. 'The Box', based on a Norwegian format, will see 12 celebrities placed in boxes undertaking daring challenges and is intended as a successor to Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. ITV executives consider Lineker a major addition to their Saturday night lineup, with filming set for autumn and a premiere planned for early spring 2026. BBC bosses are reportedly angered by Lineker's move to ITV. The show forms part of ITV's strategy to secure strong entertainment programming as networks compete to replace established reality TV hits.