Eamonn Holmes Slams BBC for Chasing Younger Host for Match of the Day Says It’s a Waste of Time
Veteran broadcaster Eamonn Holmes has openly criticized the BBC’s rumored plan to bring in a “younger host” to take over Match of the Day, calling the strategy a futile attempt to appeal to younger viewers. Holmes, 64, shared his thoughts on GB News with co-host Isabel Webster following reports that Gary Lineker, 63, will step down at the end of the season after more than 20 years at the helm of the iconic football show, reported by the Mirror.
When asked about the possibility of hosting the show himself, Holmes instead took aim at the BBC’s alleged decision-making. “The BBC has always done this ridiculous thing—trying to get a younger audience,” he said. “So, what does that mean? Get a younger host? Younger people do not watch television. So why are they wasting their time?”
Isabel Webster suggested that younger viewers might watch replays “while nursing a hangover,” but Holmes wasn’t convinced. “No. They watch it on their phones and on their devices,” he responded. Holmes also commented on the show’s most memorable aspect: “The best thing about Match of the Day is the music.”
As Lineker’s departure looms, speculation over his replacement has heated up. BBC sources report that Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman, 51, was asked to co-host with 33-year-old Kelly Somers but declined, preferring to take on the role solo. The Sun reported that BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski wanted Chapman and Somers to share duties, but Chapman rejected the offer, desiring the full-time position himself. “Mark made it clear within the team at MOTD that he doesn’t want a job share; he wants Gary’s role as his own, which is understandable,” a source told The Sun, adding that the BBC now faces a “headache” in finding the right fit.
On The Sports Agents podcast, Gabby Logan seized the chance to tease Chapman when his phone interrupted the recording, hinting that it was the BBC calling. Chapman laughed, saying, “Honestly, I could do with a PA at the moment!”
Potential successors for Match of the Day include prominent football figures like former Lioness Alex Scott, Theo Walcott, Joe Hart, and experienced pundits Dion Dublin and Alan Shearer. The BBC is under pressure to balance the appeal of familiar faces with the aim of attracting younger, digitally focused viewers in a highly competitive media landscape.