Gary Lineker provides update on Match of the Day future after Jermaine Jenas axe
Gary Lineker has provided an update on his future
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Gary Lineker has revealed he will stay on as host of Match of the Day after Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBC last week.
Lineker has led the coverage on the popular football show for 25 years, though his contract - worth £1.3million - is set to expire at the end of the season.
Jenas had been the favourite to take over from the former England striker but those plans look like they have been canned after being alleged by the BBC of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.
An internal investigation found that the 41-year-old had sent sexual messages to two colleagues on The One Show and he has since been axed.
Gary Lineker has provided an update on his future
PA
Lineker had even tipped Jenas to succeed him but he has now indicated that he is willing to stay on past the current campaign.
The 63-year-old told The Independent: "Match Of The Day is such an iconic show, 60 years is such a long time and I have presented it for 25 of those years.
"Podcast-wise, things have really exceeded our expectations but, at the same time, I love being part of Match Of The Day.
"I love working for the BBC. I know it has its issues and it has its troubles but I think it's brilliant."
It follows a chat he had on BBC Breakfast when asked about his MOTD future, saying: "I don't know.
"Depends how long they want me, I suppose. I love doing it at the moment – I've still got another year left, at least."
With Jenas now out of the race to succeed Lineker, the list of potential replacements has dwindled with Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Micah Richards among the favourites to take over.
Meanwhile, Jenas issued a grovelling apology after the allegations came to light.
Jermaine Jenas had been tipped to take over Gary Lineker on MOTD
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“I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry," the former Tottenham star said.
“I have let myself down, my family, friends and colleagues down, and I owe everyone an apology - especially the women with whom I was messaging. I am so, so sorry."
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Gabby Logan could now be the favourite to take over Gary Lineker's role
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While Jenas has been dropped from his roles on the BBC, he might still return to TV screens soon.
TNT Sports have not axed him and discussions will be held over a possible return after the international break in September.