Lineker named in NTAs shortlist

Lineker is in the running for best TV presenter at the National Television Awards after leaving the BBC amid a row over a Zionism post.

Lineker makes NTAs shortlist after Match of the Day exit

Gary Lineker has been shortlisted for the National Television Award for best TV presenter, and will face Ant and Dec who have won the prize for 23 years in a row. The shortlist also includes Alison Hammond, Claudia Winkleman and Stacey Solomon.

Lineker left Match of the Day in May after 26 years, following a dispute over a social media post about Zionism. He apologized for the post, and it was confirmed he would no longer front coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup. This month he signed up to present a new ITV gameshow called The Box, which will be filmed in the UK later this year and air in 2026. During his BBC career, his social media posts drew criticism and led to moments that tested the broadcaster’s impartiality guidelines. He also supported calls to reinstate a Gaza-related documentary that had been removed from the BBC iPlayer. Amid the broader conversation, an interview quoted him warning there could be more controversial moments to navigate before the next World Cup.

The NTAs nomination shows how public figures can rebound from controversy while keeping a strong audience. It also highlights the tension between accountability and entertainment in modern broadcasting, where a personality’s profile can survive a dispute about political content. The episode reveals a shifting media landscape where talent moves between outlets and formats, and where social media posts become ongoing tests of impartiality and responsibility.

Looking ahead, Lineker’s path raises questions about how broadcasters balance free expression with editorial standards, and whether awards bodies reflect changing public tastes or help shape them. The coming months will test the boundaries of what counts as acceptable public discourse inside and outside the BBC orbit.

Highlights

The story of Lineker shows how public life now rides on a mix of media platforms and audience sentiment.