Kelly Cates’ net worth, life off screen and Sky Sports exit for new Match of the Day role

Kelly Cates is set to be one of the fresh faces on Match of the Day next season.

This comes as Gary Lineker prepares to step down from his role as host of the Saturday evening staple at the end of the 2024/25 season, after an impressive 25-year tenure with the BBC. Amidst widespread speculation about who will take over, it's understood that Lineker will maintain ties with the broadcaster, assuming presenting responsibilities for the BBC's FA Cup coverage next season and leading the team for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

It is believed that Cates, the daughter of Liverpool football legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, will fill Lineker's shoes, joining forces with MOTD2's Mark Chapman and esteemed presenter Gabby Logan to share the role. But who exactly is the 49-year-old who has been a prominent figure at Sky Sports since 2016?

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Here, the Manchester Evening News explores her background...

Starting her career in Glasgow, Cates began her broadcasting journey with Sky Sports News and Setanta Sports before her unexpected exit from Sky Sports News in 2006 following the World Cup in Germany — a move that surprised many given her well-regarded performance both in the studio and on location. On The Overlap's Not Just Football podcast, Cates shared insights into the personal reasons behind her departure from Sky Sports News, revealing: "I left Sky Sports News in 2006, after the Germany World Cup. I'd been there for eight years and I had just turned 30, or I was just turning 31.

"I was engaged but not yet married. I knew I wanted to have children