**Gary Lineker Poised for ITV Comeback with New Celebrity Game Show After BBC Departure**
Gary Lineker appears set for a return to UK prime-time television, with reports suggesting he has secured a significant contract as the host of a new celebrity game show for ITV, titled “The Box”. This development comes only months after his well-documented exit from the BBC, which marked the end of his 25-year association with the broadcaster.
Lineker, 64, is widely recognised for his role at the helm of “Match of the Day”, a post he vacated following controversy sparked by a social media incident earlier this year. Now, he stands on the brink of a new chapter, reportedly leading the British adaptation of a Norwegian reality format that has already been successful in Denmark. Industry insiders suggest that ITV hopes this new show will capture some of the magic that once defined “Saturday Night Takeaway”, long considered a staple of the channel’s weekend schedule.
“The Box” is set to feature a dozen well-known personalities, each isolated within their own individual boxes and tasked with overcoming a series of daunting and, at times, frightening challenges. The premise has been described by sources as a hybrid between “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” and “SAS: Who Dares Wins”, blending elements of endurance, surprise, and celebrity antics. Early reaction within the television industry indicates considerable anticipation, with ITV believed to be investing substantial resources in the show’s production.
A source shared with The Sun newspaper: “The Box has generated tremendous interest abroad, and ITV jumped at the opportunity to bring it to British audiences. There’s a real sense that this show could fill the void left by iconic formats, and Gary Lineker’s involvement was seen as pivotal from the outset. ITV have had their sights set on him for some time, and this seemed the ideal way to combine his presenting abilities with a fresh, engaging format.”
Filming for the show is anticipated to commence later in the autumn, positioning “The Box” for a much-hyped launch in early spring of 2026. Given the scale and ambition of the project, expectations are high that it will command a prime Saturday evening slot.
Neither Lineker nor ITV have issued detailed official statements regarding the reports, though ITV representatives are understood to have been approached for comment as speculation mounts. The new role would see Lineker shifting gears from his longstanding place at the heart of football coverage to a more varied entertainment format, underscoring both his adaptability and enduring appeal.
Lineker’s departure from the BBC was marked by emotion and controversy. The former England footballer had shared a pro-Palestinian video on his Instagram account, which included a rat emoji; the post drew widespread criticism with accusations that it echoed antisemitic tropes. Lineker responded quickly to the backlash, publicly apologising and explaining he was unaware of how the emoji would be interpreted. He asserted: “I would never consciously share anything antisemitic – it’s completely contrary to my beliefs.”
The presenter’s final “Match of the Day” broadcast featured an affectionate send-off, including a montage of memorable moments and a heartfelt thank you from Lineker to viewers and colleagues. “It’s been an absolute privilege to host Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. The experience has brought me great joy, and I’m grateful for the love and support shown throughout the years,” he said during his signing off.
As anticipation builds for his ITV debut, industry observers note that Lineker’s move marks a significant transition from sports broadcasting to mainstream entertainment. While many await confirmation from ITV and Lineker himself, it is clear that the television landscape will be watching closely to see how this new venture develops.
The success of “The Box” could cement Lineker’s standing as one of Britain’s most recognisable broadcasters, with ITV clearly banking on his wide appeal to draw viewers to their revitalised Saturday night line-up. For Lineker, it represents both a fresh start and an opportunity to redefine himself within the ever-evolving world of British television.