Gary Lineker has been shortlisted for the National Television Award for best TV presenter, just months after his controversial exit from the BBC's Match of the Day. The former footballer will compete against television's most successful duo, Ant and Dec, who have dominated the category for an unprecedented 23 consecutive years.
According to the BBC, this marks Lineker's first NTA nomination since 2017, making the timing particularly significant given his recent departure from the corporation. The public voting aspect of the awards adds extra weight to the recognition following his high-profile BBC exit.
BBC exit and controversy
Lineker left the BBC's flagship football programme in May after 26 years, following a row over a social media post about Zionism that featured a depiction of a rat - historically an antisemitic insult. He issued an unreserved apology over the post as it was confirmed he would leave his role early at the BBC, where he was the highest paid on-air presenter.
The departure meant Lineker would no longer front coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season's FA Cup. His exit marked the end of one of British television's longest-running presenter partnerships with a major programme.
Amid the final row over the Zionism post, an interview with Lineker was published in which he warned BBC bosses there could be more controversial moments to navigate between now and the next World Cup. "You either have empathy or you don't," Lineker said. "I'll definitely continue pushing humanitarian issues."
New career chapter
This month, Lineker signed up to present a new ITV gameshow called The Box, which will be filmed in the UK later this year and air in 2026. The move represents a significant career transition from his long-standing role at the BBC to commercial television.
History of social media disputes
During his BBC career, Lineker's social media posts repeatedly led to criticism of the broadcaster. In 2023, he compared the then Conservative government's rhetoric around immigration to that used in Germany in the 1930s, leading to his suspension.
His suspension prompted colleagues to walk out in solidarity, resulting in a Match of the Day broadcast without any commentary or analysis. The incident led the BBC to toughen its impartiality guidelines for presenters.
Award competition details
Lineker will compete against Alison Hammond, best known for her appearances on This Morning and The Great British Bake Off, Claudia Winkleman from The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing, and Sort Your Life Out presenter Stacey Solomon. The National Television Awards will be held at the O2 in London on 10 September and televised by ITV.
The ceremony will be hosted by Joel Dommett and broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX. Despite his high profile, reports suggest Lineker is being described as a surprise contender in the competitive presenter category.
Sources used: "BBC", "Daily Mail", "The Guardian", "Evening Standard"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
