Kenny Dalglish's Daughter to Succeed Gary Lineker on 'Match of the Day'
Kelly Cates, daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, is set to co-host BBC's 'Match of the Day' alongside Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, following Gary Lineker's departure.
Kelly Cates, the 49-year-old daughter of Liverpool icon Kenny Dalglish, is poised to become one of the new hosts of BBC's flagship football program, 'Match of the Day'. She will join Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman in presenting the show following the departure of long-time host Gary Lineker.
Cates has been a prominent figure in sports broadcasting, with a career spanning over a decade. She began her tenure with BBC Radio 5 Live in 2013, co-hosting the popular call-in show '606' alongside Ian Wright until 2018. After a stint with Sky Sports, where she presented Premier League programs such as 'Friday Night Live', Cates returned to BBC Radio 5 Live, hosting midweek sports shows and covering major events like the 2022 World Cup.
The decision to appoint Cates reflects the BBC's commitment to bringing experienced and respected voices to 'Match of the Day'. Her deep-rooted connections to football, both personally and professionally, make her a fitting successor to Lineker, who has been synonymous with the program for over two decades.
While the BBC has not officially confirmed the new hosting lineup, reports suggest that Cates, Logan, and Chapman will share presenting duties for the upcoming season. This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to refresh the program and engage a diverse audience.
As the daughter of a football legend and an accomplished broadcaster in her own right, Kelly Cates's appointment is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to 'Match of the Day', while maintaining the show's longstanding tradition of delivering top-tier football analysis and commentary.