Gary Lineker, the former Match of the Day presenter, is set to host a new TV game show titled 'The Box', as confirmed by ITV. This will be his first presenting role since his departure from Match of the Day in May following an antisemitism row.
'The Box' will feature 10 yellow boxes, each housing celebrity contestants who will be transported to unknown locations for participation in various games. The series is based on a recent Norwegian show and filming is scheduled to take place in the UK later this year. It's expected that it will air on ITV by 2026.
Each week's episode culminates in a dramatic finale known as "the duel", where two players face off against each other.
Perfect fit for 'The Box'
ITV entertainment boss Katie Rawcliffe expressed her confidence in Lineker being "the perfect fit for The Box". She promised viewers an entertaining, exhilarating and immersive new format with this upcoming show.
Lineker has previously hosted another ITV game show called 'Sitting on a Fortune'. He presented 13 episodes across two seasons from 2021 to 2023.
Gary Lineker, Premier League legend, said:
"I can't wait to host The Box. I've always felt right at home in the box on a football pitch, and whilst this is a different proposition, the fundamentals are similar.
"The contestants will have to quickly and masterfully work out how each game works, whilst also trying to get ahead of the competition to take control. It's going to be unpredictable and thrilling to watch, and I'm excited that I get to have a front row seat to all the action!"
In May, an emotional Lineker signed off from his final edition of Match of the Day after serving as its presenter for 26 years. Although he was due to remain with BBC for its coverage of men's FA Cup and later the World Cup, he left earlier than planned after apologising for sharing an antisemitic social media post.
Beyond presenting
Apart from his television career, Gary Lineker co-founded Goalhanger Podcasts which produces popular series like ‘The Rest Is History’ along with its spin-offs about politics, entertainment, money, and football. Lineker also co-hosts these series.
Recently, Goalhanger struck a deal with La Liga, Spanish football's top division. This partnership will allow the podcast to show clips from La Liga matches along with weekly highlights and analysis from Lineker and fellow presenter Alex Aljoe.
Gary Lineker's return to television as the host of 'The Box' is eagerly anticipated by sports fans and sports betting fans alike. His vast experience in presenting coupled with his passion for sports promises an engaging new format for viewers.
