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Lineker to host ITV game show The Box
Gary Lineker will present ITV's new game show The Box, his first TV role since leaving Match of the Day amid controversy.
Lineker returns to presenting as host of ITV's The Box, his first TV role since the MOTD departure amid controversy.
Lineker to Host ITV Game Show The Box
ITV has confirmed Gary Lineker will host a new game show called The Box. The format features 10 yellow boxes, each housing celebrity contestants who will be transported to unknown locations to take part in different games. The series will be filmed in the UK this year and is scheduled to air on ITV in 2026. It marks Lineker’s first presenting job since leaving Match of the Day in May amid an antisemitism row.
The Box is based on a Norwegian show and will include a weekly finale known as the duel. ITV entertainment boss Katie Rawcliffe called Lineker the perfect fit and promised the format will be entertaining, exhilarating and immersive.
Key Takeaways
"I can't wait to host The Box."
Lineker expresses enthusiasm for the role
"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."
Lineker explains why the format appeals to him
"The Box promises to be entertaining, exhilarating and immersive."
Rawcliffe promotes the show as a bold format
"The contestants will have to quickly and masterfully work out how each game works."
Lineker describes the game mechanics
Lineker's return to hosting signals a strategic bet by ITV on a high concept format that leans on spectacle and personality. The Box relies on a sense of risk and surprise to keep audiences engaged between ad breaks.
The move also places ITV at the center of a broader political and cultural conversation about accountability in public figures. If the show finds an audience, it could boost ITV's renewal prospects; if it triggers backlash, it could strain advertiser relationships and invite scrutiny of management decisions.
Highlights
- I can't wait to host The Box.
- I've always felt right at home in the box on a football pitch.
- It's going to be unpredictable and thrilling to watch.
- The contestants will have to quickly and masterfully work out how each game works.
Lineker back in spotlight risks backlash
Gary Lineker's return to presenting after the MOTD controversy could invite public reaction, advertiser scrutiny, and political commentary. ITV risks brand tensions if the new show becomes a flashpoint in ongoing debates about accountability and social media conduct.
The Box will test ITV's willingness to back bold formats.
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