- Kelly Cates had been identified by the BBC as the leading external candidate to replace Gary Lineker and front their coverage of Match of the Day from next term
- Lineker, who took over presenting duties in 1999, will leave after 26 years in May
Kelly Cates is to leave Sky Sports to become part of a three-person team of Match of the Day presenters, Mail Sport understands.
The highly-regarded broadcaster, daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny, will head to the BBC at the end of the season following the departure of Gary Lineker.
It is expected that Cates will join fellow broadcasters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with presenting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 split between the three of trio.
Bosses at Sky are understood to be deeply saddened at the loss of the 49-year-old.
However, she had been identified by the BBC as the leading external candidate 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.
Kelly Cates is leaving Sky to join Match of The Day as one of their presenters from next season
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.
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.
The BBC and Sky Sports have been contacted for comment.
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