Kelly Cates to Take Over as Host of BBC’s Match of the Day

Kelly Cates to Replace Gary Lineker on BBC’s Match of the Day

Kelly Cates is a popular football presenter and daughter of former Liverpool footballer Kenny Dalglish. She will reportedly leave Sky Sports to join the BBC‘s revamped team, including Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.

The New Team: A Fresh Direction for Match of the Day

The departure of Kelly Cates from Sky Sports has been confirmed, marking a significant change for the broadcaster. According to reports, Cates will be joining a new presenting team on the BBC‘s Match of the Day, alongside Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.

A More Digital Focus and Revamped Format

The new format is expected to include a more digital focus, with the BBC signing a rights deal that includes allowing it to post clips of all goals scored in the Premier League on its website. This move aims to cater to the changing viewing habits of younger fans who exchange pirated clips of matches on social media and watch highlights on YouTube.

The revamped iteration also includes a more news-oriented approach, with additional written content and analysis. Despite a decline in broadcast TV figures, top executives at the BBC believe there is “untapped potential” in rebranding Match of the Day. The new format is expected to attract a wider audience, with TV sports viewing proving relatively robust despite the overall decline in TV viewership.

Kelly Cates’ Transition and Future Plans

Kelly Cates has presented Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage since 2017 and also regularly presents for BBC Radio 5 Live. As part of the new team, she will share rotating hosting responsibilities with Chapman and Logan. The trio is expected to replace Gary Lineker, who will step down at the end of the season.

Lineker expressed his understanding of the need for change, stating that executives were looking to do Match of the Day “slightly differently”. He acknowledged it made sense to bring in another presenter to refresh the format. Cates has been identified as a leading external candidate to replace Lineker, and her departure from Sky Sports marks an exciting new chapter in her career.

The transition will see a change in hosting duties, with Cates, Chapman, and Logan sharing responsibilities for Match of the Day and its companion program, Match of the Day 2. The revamped team is expected to bring fresh energy to the show, adapting to changing viewer habits and preferences while maintaining the core essence of the program.