BBC Match of the Day's new look for 2025/26 season including Gary Lineker replacement

Match of the Day, a mainstay of British television, could see significant changes for the 2025/26 season. The BBC has already confirmed that host Gary Lineker will leave at the end of this season.

While no official successor has been named, the search is well underway. Several potential replacements have been mooted since Lineker's departure was announced, and the BBC has already faced some hurdles in their plans.

In addition to finding a new host, there may be further behind-the-scenes changes at Match of the Day. So, what might the future hold?

READ MORE: BBC eyes up 'leading candidate' as Gary Lineker Match of the Day host replacement

READ MORE: Sky Sports 'to block' BBC replacement plan as Gary Lineker leaves Match of the Day

Firstly, replacing Lineker is no small feat for the BBC. The former striker has been the face of the show for 25 years, succeeding Des Lynham. Several candidates have been proposed to fill the iconic role. Mark Chapman, host of Match of the Day 2, was initially the favourite, reports Football London.

However, despite remaining a frontrunner, plans for him to share the role with Kelly Sommers hit a roadblock when Chapman expressed his preference not to split the duties.

Other names in the running for the coveted role include Alex Scott, Gabby Logan, and Jason Mohammed. In an unexpected turn, TNT Sports anchor Reshmin Chowdhury has also been mentioned as a potential contender in recent reports.

Lineker shared his thoughts before the revelation of his successor, saying: "Obviously I don't know who it'll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference. I don't think that'd be the right thing to do but whoever it is, I would say be yourself."

In a strategic move towards a 'digital-first'