Gary Lineker demands £50 million to join Celebrity Big Brother

In a recent interview, Gary Lineker, the well-known former England football striker and current host of Match of the Day, disclosed that he was approached by ITV to join the cast of Celebrity Big Brother. This occurred as he is preparing to step down from his role as the host of the BBC's flagship football show, which he has been associated with for many years. He mentioned that his agent communicated the offer jokingly, suggesting an outrageous fee of £50 million. This comedic demand was reiterated in a light-hearted conversation with his colleagues, leading to laughter all around. It appears that the monetary figure was not taken seriously by ITV, which promptly rejected the offer citing budget constraints. Lineker stated he would not be available for participation in reality television, indicating a clear preference for maintaining his current commitments with the BBC. Despite his impending departure from Match of the Day, Lineker’s role within the BBC is far from over, as he has agreed in principle to a contract extension that will allow him to continue hosting the Match of the Day's Top Ten podcast series and lead the coverage for the 2026 World Cup. His ongoing connection with the BBC, which includes coverage of live football events, showcases that Lineker remains an integral figure in sports broadcasting even beyond his time as host of Match of the Day. As one of the highest-paid presenters at the BBC, earning over £1.3 million annually, Lineker’s departure from the show marks a notable change, yet it suggests the broadcaster is keen on retaining his expertise in other capacities.