BBC star Gary Lineker has plunged the corporation into a fresh impartiality row after publicly mocking fellow presenters Ant and Dec for their two-decade dominance at the National Television Awards.
The Match of the Day host, no stranger to controversy over his own social media use, took a cheeky dig at the Geordie duo after they secured their 23rd consecutive win in the TV Presenter category at Tuesday's ceremony. Lineker's quip has reignited the fierce debate about how BBC talent should conduct themselves on public platforms.
The Tweet That Lit the Fuse
Following the awards show, Lineker took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his astonishment at the perpetual winning streak. His post quickly garnered significant attention, putting the BBC's often-criticised social media policy back under intense scrutiny.
This incident arrives just over a year after Lineker's high-profile suspension from the BBC for criticising the government's immigration rhetoric, which sparked a mass walkout by fellow sports presenters and forced his swift reinstatement.
A Recurring BBC Headache
The broadcaster has continually wrestled with balancing the personal expression of its high-profile stars against its commitment to political neutrality. Lineker, as a freelance sports presenter not involved in news output, operates under different guidelines, yet his actions frequently draw accusations of hypocrisy against the BBC.
This latest episode raises familiar questions: Can the BBC effectively enforce its rules for some stars and not others? And where is the line for its top-tier talent when it comes to public commentary on industry peers?
As the court of public opinion weighs in once more, the corporation finds itself navigating the tricky intersection of personal brand, professional conduct, and perceived bias—a challenge that shows no sign of abating.
