Dan Walker Speaks Out on Match of the Day Discussions After Emerging as Top Contender to Replace Gary Lineker
The competition for Gary Lineker’s role as the presenter of Match Of The Day is heating up.
However, his highly regarded potential successor, Dan Walker, recently back in football broadcasting on Prime Video, claims there’s only one of Gary’s jobs that piques his interest – that of the face of Walkers crisps.
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Credit: Splash
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Credit: X @BBCMOTD
When asked about the speculation surrounding his potential appointment for the BBC One’s flagship show during the TRIC Christmas lunch, former Football Focus presenter Dan remarked: “Match Of The Day is an exceptional show that I genuinely love, and I’m excited to be covering football now.
“Nevertheless, if there’s anything Gary possesses that I would want, it would certainly be his crisp contract.
“Considering my surname, it couldn’t possibly be a better fit, could it?”
Gary, aged 63, disclosed in November that he would step down from his hosting duties after 25 years on the program.
READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
Several names have been suggested as contenders for the position, including Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan, and Kelly Somers.
Regular Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards have also been considered.
Recent surveys indicated Shearer is the viewers’ top choice to succeed Lineker.
However, it seems as though former Manchester City right-back Richards, aged 36, has been ruled out by Lineker.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Richards attempted to eliminate himself from consideration.
He stated: “You know what, I just need to clarify this.
“When people mention Micah Richards possibly taking over as a presenter, I think it’s a major disrespect to all the talented presenters out there.
“Just because I’m a pundit, it doesn’t mean I have the skills to present. I can offer insight into a player, and I understand the game as I observe tactics.
“Yet to be chosen to host one of the most iconic shows, not just in sports but in BBC history, would be a different story?”
He further emphasized: “There are countless others who would fit the role better than me; I cannot fathom why my name would even be considered.”
Lineker humorously assured Richards that his naming was unwarranted.
He quipped: “Micah, you can totally relax. I can guarantee they won’t be considering you.”
Chapman still seems to be the frontrunner to take over for Lineker.
JILLY: I’M HOT FOR RIVALS 2
If the steamy action in Rutshire left you yearning for more Rivals, then Disney+ has an early festive treat for you.
Confirming my exclusive TV Biz news, the streaming service has announced that a second series is on the horizon following the first season’s cliffhanger.
While it’s not yet confirmed if David Tennant, Victoria Smurfit, and Aidan Turner will reprise their roles, writer Jilly Cooper, on whose novel the series is based, expressed her enthusiasm over the announcement.
Yesterday, she stated: “Nearly 40 years since my novel Rivals hit the shelves, I’m overjoyed to see the world fall in love with my treasured characters – the finest in Rutshire.
“I’m ecstatic with excitement and eagerly await the return of my superhero Rupert Campbell-Black and the rest of the cast in season two.”
Well, that’s all rather splendid, isn’t it.
IT’S WHO DARES WINGS
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Credit: Sanne Gault
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Credit: © 2023 Sony Pictures Television
Who would have expected to see such audacious fashions emerging post-World War One?
The vibrant nightlife of London’s Soho in 1918 comes to life through these captivating visuals from the forthcoming BBC One drama Dope Girls.
The series reveals a time of sexual freedom, indulgence, and often mesmerizing glamour as women independently sought livelihoods.
At the heart of the bustling club scene is single mother Kate Galloway, played by Julianne Nicholson, who opens a night venue to support her daughter Evie and enters into a hidden world of criminal activity right under the police surveillance.
Eliza Scanlen portrays Violet Davies, a groundbreaking female police officer assigned to go undercover at the club and investigate the dubious activities.
Among the women she encounters is the fierce Billie Cassidy (Umi Myers), a glamorous and free-spirited dancer.
Gather your chairs, ladies and gentlemen, and prepare to tune in next year.
MURDER IN ROYAL CIRCLES
The creators of The Crown are embarking on their next royal project, titled The Lady.
This four-part drama for ITV will delve into the story of Jane Andrews, the former aide to the Duchess of York who was convicted of murder.
Filming is set to commence next year in Grimsby and London, chronicling Jane’s ascent and subsequent fall from grace after she secured a prestigious role as the royal dresser by responding to an ad in the magazine The Lady.
Her downfall was catalyzed by the loss of her position and her romantic involvement with businessman Thomas Cressman, whom she was ultimately convicted of murdering.
Sian McWilliams from Left Bank Pictures noted: “The Lady skillfully explores the tragic events and seeks to answer—who is the true Jane Andrews?”