Gary Lineker, who will leave Match of the Day at the end of this season, BBC News understands, has been the steady hand who guided millions of fans through football's agonies and ecstasies. As host of the flagship show for 25 years, he is also one of the corporation's highest-profile presenters, earning £1.3 million last year.

The presenter will stay at the BBC until the end of the next World Cup in 2026, and may stay on after that to work on podcasts, Sky News understands.

The BBC are on the hunt for the next Match of the Day presenter, with Gary Lineker reportedly stepping down from the role at the end of the season. The sports broadcaster and former professional footballer has been hosting the iconic BBC show for 25 years but will relieve his duties when the Premier League concludes in May next year.