Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan have appeared to confirm the new Match of the Day hosting line-up from next season.
In December, Mail Sport exclusively revealed that Kelly Cates, alongside Chapman and Logan, will share hosting duties of the BBC flagship show when Gary Lineker steps down from his current role at the end of the term.
Chapman, who has been the main host of Match of the Day 2 since 2013, and Logan welcomed Cates on The Sports Agents podcast to announce that the Sky Sports presenter will be filling in for Logan while on holiday.
But their small talk ended with a tease of the news that has yet to be confirmed by the BBC.
‘Depending on what happens over the coming weeks, this could be my life for the next three or four years, who knows?’ Chapman said.
Logan replied: ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ Before laughter could be heard off camera.
Mail sport exclusively revealed in December that Kelly Cates will leave her role with Sky Sports to join the flagship BBC show
The 49-year-old will share hosting duties with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman from next season
Mail Sport revealed in December that bosses at Sky are understood to be deeply saddened at the loss of Cates, who has been with the broadcaster since 1998.
However, she had been identified by the BBC as the leading external to replace Lineker when he leaves at the end of the season.
Cates’ smooth presentation of Sky’s Premier League coverage and previous experience with the BBC have clearly gone in her favour.
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She regularly presents on Radio 5 Live, used to host 606 and her arrival will be seen as a huge coup – especially given the uplift in the number of live matches on Sky next season.
It is understood that the three are already close and are looking forward to working together. They are of a similar age and have developed over a similar time period.
In Chapman’s case, the sharing of the role enables him to continue with his radio work for the BBC, which he is known to be passionate about.
Those who know them say the group are humble and there are no issues with the limelight being shared. Indeed, the format is one that seems to be a good fit for all involved.
Lineker, who took over presenting duties on the flagship BBC show from Des Lynam in 1999, will bring the curtain down after 26 years. The 63-year-old is also set to leave the BBC entirely after the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada.
It is understood executives, headed by new director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, want to move the show in a fresh direction and, as Mail Sport revealed, are considering bringing a news element to the show.
