Why was Gary Lineker axed from the BBC? Ex Match of the Day makes history with NTA win

Gary Lineker made history at this year's National Television Awards when he broke Ant and Dec's long reign. The former Match of the Day host shocked when he bagged this year's Television Presenter award, meaning the Geordie duo missed out for the first time in 23 years.

For years, those pitted against Ant and Dec would resign in the fact they knew they would lose out.However, last night's ceremony marked the end of their impressive reign as Gary swooped in despite his exit from Match of the Day.

He also won against Stacey Solomon, Alison Hammond and Claudia Winkleman. Gary's achievement came after his early exit from Match of the Day following a series of controversies around his social media posts.

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Speaking after his win about his future, he said: "I really don't know. At the moment, I'm really looking forward to working with ITV and I've got a podcast business that I have to run so I'm not so sure. I've got so many great memories from such a long period at the BBC."

He added: "I don't think anyone thought I was cancelled. It was obviously just a mistake, an oversight. I was never in the slightest bit concerned for that but this is lovely and there's no doubt that there's perhaps a message here that it's ok to share your views and speak up for those who don't perhaps have a voice."

Gary left the BBC's Match Of The Day earlier than expected after he had shared a series of comments on social media. One comment specifically saw him post in May 2025 concerning the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict that included a rat emoji.

The rat image has been historically used in anti-Semitic propaganda. Gary said sorry for sharing the post and explained he was unaware of the image's connotations.

He said he "would never knowingly share anything anti-Semitic". Despite Gary's apology, the controversy led to the BBC confirming his early exit from the show.

Gary later confirmed he would not be part of their coverage for the 2026 World Cup or the 2025/26 FA Cup. At the time, director general of the BBC, Tim Davie, said: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made.

"Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season. Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades.

"His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made."

BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski had taken a key role in the decision not to hand Gary a new contract, and he spoke about the host back in November.

"Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup,"Kay-Jelski said, months before his exit.

"After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football."

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